EUROPE – Confidence in the common agricultural policy (CAP) has fallen by 10% since the outbreak of foot and mouth disease, according to a Eurobarometer opinion poll carried out by the European Commission.

Over 16,000 people were surveyed across the 15 member states in May and June 2001. The research revealed that people were still strongly in favour of the CAP’s objectives with 90% supporting healthy and safe products, 89% in favour of respecting the environment and 77% backing stable and adequate incomes for farmers. But, when asked if they thought the policy performed these tasks well, satisfaction levels were 37%, 41% and 29% respectively.

Meanwhile, only 36% of candidates thought that the policy ensured that the food they bought was safe to eat. Just under a quarter (22%) felt that it gave enough information on how food is produced and processed, and only 18% believed that it ensured fair treatment of animals.