Federal Councillor Parmelin shows understanding for dissatisfied farmers
Published: Friday, Aug 16th 2024, 11:40
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According to Agriculture Minister Guy Parmelin, farming families are facing numerous challenges. During a visit to a farm in the Bernese Mittelland on Friday, he showed understanding for the farmers' peaceful protests.
Farmers in Switzerland are struggling with various problems, said Parmelin on a potato field near Wileroltigen BE. These include the increasing weather extremes associated with climate change, society's increasing demands for sustainable production and the partial lack of added value.
"Agricultural policy must create the framework conditions for sustainable food production and contribute to security of supply," Parmelin stated. At the same time, it must be ensured that the agricultural profession is financially rewarding.
No stricter requirements
Many farming families have suffered from the wet weather this year. According to Parmelin, there is a risk of massive losses in potatoes and grain. "If costs rise but yields don't, that's a problem for farmers." This is why it is important to breed more resistant varieties with the help of science, for example.
Another concern of the Minister of Agriculture is to ensure the "greatest possible stability" in the direct payment system. The conditions for receiving funds will not become stricter next year, said Parmelin.
The Federal Council is aware that the administrative burden in agriculture is high. That is why one of the central goals of the future agricultural policy is to reduce the administrative burden on farmers.
Fewer controls required
Christoph Herren, who runs the farm in Wileroltigen, pointed out that he has to invest more and more money in plant protection. Because fewer and fewer pesticides are available, the problem of resistance is becoming greater.
The young farmer listed other challenges that many farming families face: Administrative costs, climate change, investments in structures, training, crop protection are just a few examples. His main concern is to keep the necessary controls within reasonable limits.
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