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Almost one-quarter of Irish people claim to know exactly
what the EU's Common Agricultural Policy is, according to
the results of an EU-wide poll examining the attitudes of
citizens to agriculture and the CAP.
After the French, the Irish have the highest level of knowledge
of the CAP, with two-thirds saying they have heard about CAP.
This survey - following on from a similar one conducted in
2006 - confirms a predominantly favourable reaction to key
elements of the 2003 agreement on CAP reform.
Irish people are largely favourable towards a key element
of the reformed CAP, involving the way in which farmers receive
support. A clear majority of Irish people think that giving
more funding to rural development - as well as paying farmers
directly instead of subsidising their products - are positive
developments (52%). This view corresponds exactly to public
opinion throughout the EU.
Furthermore, more than three-quarters of Irish people support
the 'cross-compliance' principle, whereby farmers face
a reduction in payments if they fail to meet environmental,
animal welfare or food safety standards.
The survey also shows that, while food prices have become
a key issue across Europe, Irish people think that EU's priority
in terms of agricultural policy should be to ensure a fair
standard of living for farmers.
Almost 8 out of 10 Irish people see agriculture and rural
areas as key issues for the future of Europe. This view finds
further expression in opinions on the EU agricultural budget.
Around half of those polled feel that this budget should either
stay the same or increase over the coming years, compared
to just 8% who think it should decrease.
Participants in the survey were also asked about trade in
agricultural products. Although a clear majority of Irish
people think that all imports of agricultural produce should
comply with health and quality standards, the Irish are the
least likely of all European citizens to insist on this requirement.
Almost half agree that agricultural tariffs and quotas should
be maintained - with exceptions made for imports from developing
countries - while only one-quarter is in favour of lifting
trade barriers on imports
The survey, conducted on behalf of the European Commission
Directorate General for Agriculture and Rural Development,
was carried out between the 19th of November and the 14th
of December 2007.
For more information -
- Europeans, Agriculture and the Common Agricultural
Policy - Click
Here
- Europeans, Agriculture and the Common Agricultural
Policy - Summary - Click
Here
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