Federal Council Turns AP2030 into a Cost-Cutting Exercise

The Federal Council today expressed its views on future agricultural policy. It emphasized its commitment to strengthening food production and supply security. It also refrains from introducing incentive taxes. The Swiss Farmers' Union (SBV) welcomes this decision, as it would only make food production in Switzerland more expensive and lead to high administrative burdens. Furthermore, the Federal Council aims to improve the market situation of primary production, which is also very positive. The third encouraging point is the government's intention to tackle the issue of heavy administrative burdens.

However, the Federal Council is sticking to its saving plans and is not willing to fund the outlined additional costs. The proposed financial framework for 2030-33 is even 750 million Swiss Francs lower than the current financial framework. Thus, AP2030 becomes a cost-saving proposal. The parliament's requirements, set within the framework of Motion 22.4251, for the future design of agricultural policy become a farce. The inadequate income situation in agriculture would worsen further. The budget cuts are also inappropriate because spending on agriculture has remained nominally stable for 25 years, while federal expenditure has risen by 80%. The SBV expects that the additionally demanded services will be properly compensated and that inflation will be taken into account.

The SBV calls on the Federal Council to correct this point during the preparation of the consultation documents and to provide the necessary funds.

Inquiries:

Martin Rufer, Director, Mobile 078 803 45 54
Michelle Schenk-Wyss, Head of Agricultural Economics SBV, 056 462 50 08
Loïc Bardet, Head of Economy, Education and International Affairs SBV, Mobile 079 718 01 88
https://www.sbv-usp.ch

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