Parmelin defends government opposition to Swiss food initiative

Swiss Federal Councillor and Agriculture Minister Guy Parmelin has explained why the government recommends rejecting the food initiative in the September 27 vote, SRF reported. Parliament also opposes the proposal.

The initiative, titled “For secure food through stronger sustainable domestic production, more plant-based foods and clean drinking water”, calls for a higher level of food self-sufficiency. It would seek to achieve this by increasing the cultivation of plant-based foods.

Under the proposal, at least 70 percent of the food consumed in Switzerland would have to be produced domestically. The initiative also calls for Swiss agriculture to produce fewer animal-based foods, such as meat and eggs, and more plant-based foods. Its supporters say this would feed more people using the same amount of land.

The proposal would also aim to protect the environment and drinking water, preserve soil fertility and biodiversity, and reduce the use of pesticides and fertiliser. These goals would have to be achieved within 10 years of the initiative being accepted.

Parmelin said many agricultural areas in Switzerland are unsuitable for arable farming and can only be used as pasture. The Federal Council also argues that agriculture and food production would have to be reorganised within 10 years of a Yes vote, while negative environmental effects would be shifted abroad.