Fribourg approves 10 million francs in drought aid for farmers

Fribourg has become the first Swiss canton to approve 10 million francs in non-repayable emergency aid for farmers hit by drought, SRF reports. The cantonal parliament approved the funding by a large majority.

The money will go only to farms that have suffered major losses, rather than being distributed across the sector. State Councillor Didier Castella said the government wanted to make the process as quick and straightforward as possible, without requiring farmers to complete additional forms. He said the scale of damage had not yet been determined.

Some crops have suffered more than others. Potatoes and sugar beet have been badly affected, while some grain harvests have been good. Industry group swisspatat said the summer 2026 potato harvest was the lowest since records began, with losses estimated at 10 to 15 per cent.

The continuing dry weather has reduced crop yields and pasture available for livestock, while increasing the need for irrigation in places where water may be scarce. In August, helicopters transported water to alpine pastures in Fribourg.

Other cantons have taken different measures. Bern and Lucerne have brought forward some direct payments, while farms facing financial difficulties because of drought can seek interest-free bridging loans in Solothurn and Bern. Zurich suspended conditions attached to direct payments until the end of September. In Valais, farmers were allowed to mow biodiversity areas earlier. Vaud is considering 30 million francs in direct, non-repayable aid for livestock farmers affected by drought.