Agriculture Farmers do not want cuts "at the expense of farming families"

Farmers' associations have called on the Federal Council and Parliament to abandon austerity measures in agriculture. "Austerity measures at the expense of farming families are not justified", said Farmers' Association President Markus Ritter on Wednesday.

20 years ago, the federal government spent 7.4 percent of its budget on agriculture, last year it spent 4.7 percent, the farmers' association told the media in Bern. And: annual expenditure on agriculture has remained stable at around CHF 3.6 billion for 20 years, while federal expenditure has risen by almost CHF 40 billion or over 80 percent. "Agriculture is therefore not to blame for the financial shortfall."

One of the reasons for the farmers' protest outside the Federal Palace on Wednesday was the federal government's cost-cutting plans. A group of federal experts led by the former head of the Federal Finance Administration, Serge Gaillard, has identified potential savings of up to CHF 5 billion across all areas from 2030. The Federal Council still wants to decide on measures and submit a proposal for ordinary consultation. Parliament will then decide.

Farmers criticized the fact that CHF 48 million or 1.4 percent would already be cut in next year's budget, particularly in direct payments. In the agricultural payment framework from 2026 to 2029, CHF 230 million or 1.6 percent is to be cut. And the Gaillard report proposes a further cut of around CHF 210 million as agriculture's contribution to the general restructuring of the federal budget.

"But for many farming families, who have to turn over every franc and are already having sleepless nights, this is a considerable amount that will ultimately be missing," said Ritter.

SDA