Guy Parmelin expresses understanding for farmers’ displeasure
Published: Thursday, Feb 1st 2024, 19:10
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Economics Minister Guy Parmelin has expressed his understanding for the farmers' discontent. In the "Forum" program on French-speaking Swiss television RTS on Thursday evening, the Federal Councillor explained that there has been a sharp increase in administrative tasks for farmers since the beginning of the 1990s.
In addition, the cost pressure on farmers in Europe and also in Switzerland has increased, said Parmelin, who trained as a winegrower. The farmers' protests are therefore not surprising. The administrative burden on farmers must be reduced.
Last December, the National Council adopted a motion in Parliament calling for a reduction in the administrative burden in agriculture. Rules and regulations on direct payments are to be simplified.
In its written response, the Federal Council declared its agreement with the objective. The Council of States still has to decide on this.
According to Parmelin, the prices for agricultural products must also be increased. "If you pay one centime more for a liter of milk, 34 million francs more will flow into the farmers' pockets," the Federal Councillor calculated.
The farmers had done their homework. They have innovated and rationalized. Instead of constantly putting pressure on farmers or passing on rising prices in full to consumers, something needs to change in the food trade. According to Parmelin, transparency in profit margins could be one way to achieve this.
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