Farmers demand fairer prices and more appreciation at protests
Published: Monday, Mar 25th 2024, 22:20
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On Monday evening, hundreds of farmers at various locations in Switzerland called on politicians, administrators and major distributors to show more willingness to engage in dialog and recognition. The situation is untenable for many farming families.
The farmers drove to the demonstrations in tractors. In Eschenbach LU, there were around 220 agricultural vehicles and another hundred or so farmers, an organizer told the Keystone-SDA news agency. In Gossau SG, around 200 tractors from St. Gallen, Thurgau and Appenzell and a few from other cantons drove up, according to the organizer. In Winikon near Uster in the canton of Zurich, around 250 farmers gathered and around 200 tractors were counted, according to the organizer.
This latest wave of farmers' protests began last Friday with demonstrations in western Switzerland and the canton of Bern. According to the Swiss Farmers' Dialogue organization, the aim is to give the sector's demands the "necessary pressure" once again before the start of the growing season.
According to the press release, farming families are feeling the pinch in various areas. They demand more continuity from politicians and the administration so that they can plan and invest for the long term, and less time-consuming bureaucracy. They feel that the many regulations are patronizing. "Farmers are very well trained, let's focus more on personal responsibility again," the press release said.
The demonstrations also called for higher compensation for agricultural products. Prices had not kept pace with rising production costs. This jeopardizes the modernization and further development of farms.
Farmers also believe that the public does not give them the appreciation they deserve for their work. For years, agriculture has been pilloried for all kinds of problems, according to the press release. Agriculture is doing its homework.
©Keystone/SDA
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