Federal Council carries out clarifications on compulsory food stocks
Published: Friday, Dec 15th 2023, 12:01
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The Federal Council's plans for adjustments to compulsory food stocks have met with resistance in consultations. The national government is now looking into what is needed by the end of 2024 in order to be well equipped to deal with crises.
In times of shortage, the economy may not be able to ensure the supply of essential goods itself. In this case, it should be possible to fall back on strategic reserves in the areas of food, energy, therapeutic products and industry, as the Federal Council wrote on Friday.
Criticism of grain storage
His plans to store more grain and more edible oils in future were met with criticism during the consultation process in the summer. 50 percent more grain was to be stored, namely 755,000 tons. In the case of edible oils and fats, the planned increase is around 25 percent, to 44,000 tons. These reserves should supply Switzerland for up to one year.
The Federal Council wrote that there were reservations in the consultation process, for example regarding the basic assumption of a twelve-month import ban and financing. The abolition of compulsory coffee stocks, which was put up for discussion in 2019, also met with resistance.
In response to the criticism and a review report - more than 230 experts were consulted - the Federal Council has now issued several review mandates. Firstly, it is clarifying whether additional instruments are needed to monitor national and international supply chains of critical goods and services.
Higher federal guarantees
He also wants to know whether goods should be added to the stockpile in addition to the existing compulsory stocks. And whether the militia organization of the National Economic Supply can support the Confederation with procurement orders in the event of severe shortages.
The audit report also contains a country comparison. It showed that France, Germany, Austria, Norway and Finland have less comprehensive compulsory stockpiling than Switzerland. However, they face the same challenges.
In view of the planned expansion of compulsory stocks, the Federal Council wants to increase the federal guarantees for compulsory stocks from CHF 540 million to CHF 750 million from 2025 and increase their duration to ten years. The Council of States has given its approval; the National Council still has to decide.
©Keystone/SDA
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