More than half of Irish people (53pc) are willing to pay 10pc extra for agricultural products produced with a lower carbon footprint, according to the latest Eurobarometer survey.

Over three quarters of Irish respondents agree that EU farmers need to change the way they produce in order to fight climate change, even if that means that EU agriculture will be less competitive.

Of the 1,010 Irish people interviewed, 95pc agree that extreme weather events such as increasingly severe floods and droughts can have an impact on food supply and food security in the EU.

Support for the EU's common agricultural policy (CAP) has reached an all-time high according to the survey.

The level of public awareness across European citizens for the CAP is at its highest level since 2007, with 78pc of respondents saying they are aware of the EU's common agricultural policy. Over 70pc of respondents agree that the EU, through the CAP, is fulfilling its role in providing safe, healthy and sustainable food of high quality.

Most EU citizens believe that the EU, through the CAP, is fulfilling its role in securing a stable supply of food at all times (81pc).

Furthermore, around seven in ten respondents believe that the CAP contributes to sustainable management of natural resources (72pc), development of research and digital solutions to support agriculture and food sectors (71pc), and strengthening the role of farmers in the food chain (70pc).

The survey also reveals a strong appreciation for farmers among EU citizens as 92pc say that, in the EU, agriculture and rural areas are important for our future, with 52pc considering them ‘very important'.

More than half (56pc) indicate that the level of EU financial support to farmers to help stabilise their income is right, an increase of ten percentage points since 2022 and the highest level since 2013.

Close to nine in ten (88pc) are in favour of the EU continuing making subsidy payments to farmers for carrying out agricultural practices beneficial to the climate and the environment.

The results also show that 62pc agree that agriculture has already made a major contribution in fighting climate change.

In terms of priorities and expectations, an overwhelming majority of respondents replied that securing a stable supply of food in the EU at all times (94pc), ensuring reasonable food prices for consumers (92pc), ensuring sustainable management of natural resources (91pc), and strengthening the farmer's role in the food chain (90pc) are important.

Reporting on:independent.ie