Food and farming
How the EU ensures high-quality, safe food and promotes sustainable agriculture.
The EU supports farmers so they can provide healthy and affordable food for the 450 million people living in the EU and others around the world.
EU agricultural policy encourages sustainable farming practices and ensures that agricultural products are of the highest quality.
Food security
Ensuring the availability and affordability of food is the main goal of the EU’s common agricultural policy (CAP). As the longest-standing EU policy, it accounts for one third of the EU’s budget.
Having evolved over past decades to respond to new market and consumer needs, the CAP today supports an open single market for agricultural products.
Support to farmers
The farming sector faces some unique challenges. Through direct payments with the CAP, the EU helps farmers so they can rely on a more stable income.
Thanks to EU funds, we have been able to develop our farm. The funds were also an encouragement for us to stay in the countryside.
Milena Chodnicka, farm owner, Poland
More sustainable food systems
The farming sector has a considerable impact on the environment. Yet it strongly depends on it.
The EU promotes sustainable and eco-friendly practices in agriculture, also within the CAP, to reduce the sector’s greenhouse gas emissions and better protect the environment.
It also encourages more sustainable food consumption.
Other EU agri-food policies
Food in the EU is safe to consume thanks to the high and effective control and monitoring standards. EU rules also protect the health of plants and animals.
The EU safeguards Europe's agricultural heritage. Quality schemes, such as the geographical indications, protect traditional and high-quality products.
Funding for rural development supports communities in disadvantaged areas, helping to ensure that these areas remain populated and dynamic.
The EU and its member states are the world’s largest provider of development aid, including to fight hunger. They support Ukraine’s agri-food exports which are hampered by Russia’s war.
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Last review: 15 April 2026