Farmers’ association wants environmental controls to continue despite EU decision
Published: Tuesday, May 14th 2024, 14:30
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The Swiss Farmers' Association has spoken out against waiving environmental controls for smaller farms, despite a corresponding decision by the EU member states. The credibility of Swiss production standards should not be jeopardized, a spokeswoman for the association told the Keystone-SDA news agency on Tuesday.
However, there is "potential for optimization through improved coordination of the various controls", the spokesperson continued.
On Monday, the ministers of the EU member states finally approved further easing of restrictions for farmers. Following the farmers' protests in European countries, the EU institutions had agreed, among other things, to allow more relaxed environmental regulations and to exempt smaller farms from inspections.
For example, the EU member states are to be able to issue exemptions from environmental requirements if farmers are unable to comply with the rules "in the event of unforeseen climatic conditions". There are also plans to exempt small farms from inspections and penalties.
Swiss farmers do not want any tightening
Farmers in the EU actually have to comply with environmental regulations in order to benefit from the billions in agricultural subsidies. Critics are concerned that the specific EU relief measures could have a negative impact on the environment.
The decision is a consequence of the Europe-wide farmers' protests, which have made politicians aware that many farms are struggling economically, the Swiss Farmers' Union (SBV) said on request.
The issue of increasing requirements for agriculture with constant compensation and no added value on the market is also very present in Switzerland. Farms in Switzerland already have to comply with much more stringent requirements in order to receive direct payments. "Further tightening would increase the disadvantage," said the SBC spokesperson.
©Keystone/SDA
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