One of the main findings of a new poll examining the attitudes of European citizens to the Common Agricultural Policy is that the EU public strongly supports recent reforms to EU farm policy. In what has been a policy area that often divides opinion, the results show a predominantly favourable reaction to two of the key elements of the 2003 agreement on CAP reform. The survey, conducted by TNS Opinion on behalf of the European Commission Directorate General for Agriculture and Rural Development, was carried out between the 17th of November and the 19th of December 2006.

Most clearly, an overwhelming majority of European citizens support the ‘cross-compliance’ principle, whereby farmers face a reduction in payments if they fail to meet environmental, animal welfare or food safety standards.

Linked to this, the public has reacted favourably towards changes in the way in which farmers receive support.

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Related Links: Eurobarometer website