Brussels, 11/05/2001 (Agence Europe) - According to two Eurobarometer surveys carried out at the end of 2000 for the European Commission among farmers and public opinion, over 90% of Europeans recognise the importance of agriculture but hope to be better informed on the subject. Only 50% said they had already heard of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). "This poll shows that the debate about what we eat and drink and about the future of farming cannot be the preserve of politicians and experts alone. People are interested in this subject. In light of the BSE and foot and mouth crises that we have witnessed since the surveys, this interest is bound to increase. We need a broad ranging debate on the role of agriculture in today's society and the CAP and a dialogue with society", said Commissioner Franz Fischler.
Regarding policy objectives, farmers and the public prioritise food safety and environmental protection, although most of those taking part in the survey insist on the important role of rural development, the protection of farm income and the competitiveness of European agriculture on international markets. These two groups consider as sufficient the protection of small farmers and agricultural income. Forty six percent of the public and 59% of farmers recommend increased agricultural funding.
Some also express the hope of gaining better knowledge of the agricultural policy mechanisms at both European and international level. Fifty percent of both groups questioned knew of the existence of the challenge of Union enlargement, but only a minority consider they are well informed on the state of progress of negotiations. Groups taking part in the poll consider that enlargement will have a negative impact on Europe. Regarding commercial discussions within the World Trade Organisation (WTO), 65% of farmers and 77% of the public complain they are badly informed. Concerning information sources, farmers normally turn to the specialised agricultural press, to their friends and to other farmers in order to obtain reliable information.
The results of both surveys may be consulted on the website of the Directorate General for Agriculture at the Commission: http: //europa.eu.int/comm/agriculture/survey/index_en.htm.