Did you know

Some two years ago Euronews warned that natural disasters such as heavy rains, draughts and storms are endangering the production of some of the top favourite beverages in Europe. Observations show that they either acquire a different taste or may disappear altogether as a result of the climate changes. And even though producers are searching for ways to protect their crops or experiment with modified recipes, it is far from certain that every beverage at risk could be saved. 

Although agriculture is still a crucial component of the rural economy in the EU countries, rural areas for the most part have become multi-functional. No longer entirely restrained by productivist pressure, rural areas have taken on new roles as recreational and creative spaces. It is true that sometimes the productive and aesthetic values of the rural landscape disagree, such as when the windfarm clean energy industry collides with attachment to the sight, but this tension does not necessarily exist.

The latest Eurobarometer survey shows that 55% of Europeans see reasonable food prices as a top priority for the future of EU’s common agricultural policy and for 53% that is fair income for farmers. Those are important findings now that the EU member states are negotiating the next CAP – the main source of direct payments for farmers and funding for rural development.