Switzerland’s food self-sufficiency rate sparks debate over its calculation

Switzerland’s food self-sufficiency rate is calculated by calories rather than the weight or quantity of food, a method that has drawn criticism, SRF reports. The Food Initiative is calling for a rate of 70 percent.

The calculation measures what percentage of the Swiss population’s food requirements can be met by domestic production. Agristat, the statistical service of the Swiss Farmers’ Union, calculates the figure annually in cooperation with the Federal Statistical Office.

Two figures are used: the gross and net self-sufficiency rates. The net rate accounts for the fact that some animal production depends on imported feed and makes corresponding deductions.

In 2024, Switzerland’s gross self-sufficiency rate was 50 percent, while the net rate was 42 percent. Self-sufficiency was significantly higher for animal products than for plant-based foods. It stood at 93 percent gross and 68 percent net for animal products, while the rate for plant-based foods fell by 5 percent because of weather conditions to a low of 31 percent.

Domestic production is particularly strong for milk, where it covers more than 100 percent of demand. Overall, however, Switzerland’s food self-sufficiency rate has declined slightly in recent years.

Because the rate is based on calories, calorie-rich products such as sugar and grain have a relatively large impact. In 2024, self-sufficiency in grain fell by 8 percent and in sugar by 10 percent. This contributed significantly to the overall rate falling by 4 percent compared with the previous year.

The calculation method is repeatedly criticised. Measuring self-sufficiency by calories means fruit and vegetables have little influence on the figure, even though they provide important nutrients and are essential to a healthy diet.

The consumer protection organisation, the liberal think tank Avenir Suisse and Green politicians have also argued that a high self-sufficiency rate suggests an independence that does not exist. Swiss agriculture remains heavily dependent on foreign supplies, including diesel for vehicles, fertilisers, pesticides, spare parts and machinery.

The Food Initiative seeks to increase self-sufficiency by producing less animal food and more plant-based food in Switzerland. About 60 percent of arable land is currently used to grow feed for livestock, which the initiative describes as inefficient. Growing food for human consumption directly on that land could, at least theoretically, significantly increase self-sufficiency, according to a recent study. However, agricultural production depends on demand.

Opponents also fear that the goal of higher self-sufficiency could lead to a general intensification of agriculture rather than more plant-based food production.

Despite the criticism of the calculation method, the declining self-sufficiency rate remains a regular political issue. The Swiss Farmers’ Union also frequently calls for higher self-sufficiency, but it advocates generally strengthening domestic production rather than promoting a more plant-based diet.