Eurobarometer: Europeans see value in food innovation (68%) but 72% feel poorly informed

The European Commission released on 26 October 2026 a new Special Eurobarometer on food innovation. It shows that Europeans broadly recognise the usefulness of innovative foods, ingredients and crops, but remain cautious, and most say they do not feel well informed.

Among European respondents, 68% agree that food innovation can help farmers and food producers cope with challenges such as climate change, pests, resource scarcity and supply disruptions. Half (50%) say they would be comfortable with fruit and vegetables from crops adapted to drought, pests or extreme weather, the most accepted of the products presented. Overall, 51% have a negative view of innovative food products, against 39% with a positive view.

The survey points to an information gap: 72% of Europeans say they do not feel…