Swiss government wants to end state help for farmers

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The Swiss government urged voters on Tuesday to reject more help for farmers and other proposals for agriculture in a referendum next month, saying they would send food prices rocketing and hurt the economy.

Switzerland will two hold referendums on September 23, including one on giving more state support to farmers, and another on introducing more sustainable and animal-friendly agricultural practices.

Cornfields during sunny weather near Siglisdorf, Switzerland, July 9, 2018. /VCG Photo

An early poll has shown widespread support for both ideas, but Economy Minister Johann Schneider-Ammann said the “dangerous” proposals could trigger tariff increases and other reprisals from trading partners.

One of the proposals, called the Fair Food initiative, wants all food in Switzerland to come from sustainable sources and make labeling more exact. Supporters like the Green Party and Social Democrats argue that consumers, animals, the environment and farmers would all benefit.

The other proposal wants to increase state aid to Swiss farmers, whose numbers have halved since 1985 and three farming businesses close every day.

Agriculture’s contribution to the Swiss economy has fallen from 2 percent in 1985 to under 1 percent.

Farmer Jan Hug controls the watering system of his apple plantation during hot weather near Guettingen, Switzerland, August 3, 2018. /VCG Photo

Supporters of the Food Sovereignty initiative for increased state help for struggling farmers, including farming groups and NGOs, want more price transparency to give farmers more heft when negotiating with retailers and food processors.

They also want to increase the number of people working in agriculture and impose stronger regulations on imports which could be subject to higher tariffs or even bans if they do not meet Swiss standards.

The government said the demands would lead to higher subsidies or fixed prices, a claim campaigners reject.

The referendums are being held after farming groups and environmentalists gathered more than 100,000 signatures needed to trigger a vote under Switzerland’s system of direct democracy.

Source(s): Reuters