Agricultural Policy
Hardly any economic sector so often occupies the limelight of politics as agriculture. There is no other economic sector with its own Federal Office. A separate Agricultural Act and various ministerial orders regulate Swiss agriculture, and it is no accident that the agricultural sector, of all sectors, is so strongly regulated.
In 1951, the Agricultural Act was enacted. The Act, largely influenced by the experiences made during the Second World War, was aimed at ensuring a thriving farming community and productive agricultural sector in order to guarantee continues supply of food to the population, even in times of crisis.
Agriculture, controlled by the state with its fix prices and guaranteed delivery, soon led to overproduction and high costs resulting from surplus utilisation. In the nineties, things changed fundamentally. Subsidies were replaced by direct payments, subject to certain requirements. Guaranteed delivery and fix prices gradually disappeared. Today, supply and demand determine the price. Farmers only receive financial support from the state if they meet the stringent conditions with regard to ecology and livestock raising. Thus, they are no longer simple producers of foodstuffs but bear a major responsibility for the maintenance of natural resources and cultivated areas. Modern agriculture will be heavily influenced by multi-functionality.
Agricultural policy remains a topic on the agenda of politicians. Increasing globalisation and the EU market are further impending challenges Swiss agriculture must face.
Under this heading, you will find up-to-date information, as well as background on developments regarding agricultural policy.