Eurobarometer: Europeans recognise the potential of food innovation

The latest Eurobarometer findings on food innovation demonstrate that Europeans recognise the role of food innovation in supporting a competitive, sustainable and resilient agri-food sector. 

• Seven in ten Europeans agree that innovation in food systems can create new opportunities for research, skills and jobs in Europe.  

• Furthermore, 68% agree that it can provide farmers and food producers with additional tools to address challenges such as climate change, pests, resource scarcity and supply disruptions.  

The survey also highlights the benefits Europeans associate with innovative foods and the factors that could encourage them to consume these products more regularly. Europeans recognise the potential of innovative foods to reduce pressure on natural resources, support food security and improve nutritional profiles. Lower antibiotic use, improved animal welfare or lower environmental impact are quoted among the main drivers for animal food innovations. 

For the European animal breeding sector, these findings send an encouraging message: agri-food innovations, including on animal breeding, have the potential to contribute to objectives that matter to citizens, from more sustainable production and improved animal welfare to food security and resilience. 

The EU should build on this positive recognition by creating an enabling regulatory framework that allows innovation to deliver on its promise. 

EFFAB and its members are ready and committed to contributing to this effort and to communicate more about the sector’s achievements through research and innovation. We believe Europe should make full use of the opportunities offered by innovation and work towards an enabling regulatory environment that supports precision animal breeding for a more competitive and sustainable European agri-food sector. 

EFFAB stands ready to engage with policymakers and stakeholders, share our expertise and demonstrate how innovation can contribute to these shared objectives. 

Read the survey here