European Union Citizens’ Perception of the Reasons for the Cost of the Common Agricultural Policy

The Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) is a major instrument to regulate the sustainable use of resources while guaranteeing social cohesion. Understanding people’s perception of this policy is mandatory to formalize it without disruptions. This research report was designed to understand the EU citizen’s perception of the reasons why we should spend around 30% of the EU budget on the CAP. We used a Eurobarometer survey containing 26,502 interviews with EU citizens and modelled their answers using a significant statistical model. The study reveals that respondents’ perceptions of European agriculture, and the CAP are influenced by gender, age, education, household size, and social class. Women’s views highlight the EU’s role in funding agriculture, food security, and adherence to production standards. Men focus on the economic demands of agriculture and its sustainability. Age differences show older individuals’ historical understanding of CAP and younger individuals’ focus on sustainability. Education level impacts perceptions, with less educated individuals recognizing the importance of financial aid for food security and higher production costs due to regulations, while more educated individuals understand the significant investments required and the environmental benefits of CAP. Larger communities emphasize regulatory impacts on production costs, whereas rural residents focus on the practical economic challenges of farming. Higher social classes are aware of centralized agricultural funding and its investment needs, while lower social classes prioritize environmental sustainability and climate change mitigation.