Pesticide Initiative: Three Farmers’ Associations Say Yes
The initiative “For a Switzerland without synthetic pesticides” was launched by a group of engaged citizens, including winegrowers, physicians, and scientists. It calls for the elimination of synthetic pesticides in food production, in public spaces, and by private individuals, with a transition period of 10 years, and protects domestic agriculture by applying the same rules to imports.
The initiative “For a Switzerland without synthetic pesticides” offers a unique opportunity to transform Swiss agriculture.
To achieve environmental goals in the future and thereby guarantee all people access to sustainable and healthy food. For this reason, the three agricultural organisations Demeter Switzerland, Bio Suisse, and the Small Farmers’ Association, which represent nearly 8,000 farmers, are clearly saying YES to the Pesticide Initiative on 13 June.
Pesticide-free – already economically viable today
That synthetic pesticides pose a danger to the environment and to human health is widely known and scientifically undisputed.
The use of synthetic pesticides is no longer necessary today; rather, it is destroying the long-term economic and natural foundations for agricultural production in Switzerland.
Christian Vessaz, Board Member of the Swiss Demeter Association and winegrower
Farmers who already do without synthetic pesticides today are demonstrating that it is possible to operate economically and at the same time protect the health of the environment as well as the population.
Feasible – a 10-year transition period
Changing agriculture takes time. The initiative “For a Switzerland Free of Synthetic Pesticides” provides that time. With its 10-year transition period, it creates the conditions for all farms in Switzerland to switch to production without synthetic pesticides and to adapt to the new framework. It gives farmers planning certainty and will ensure that research funding is redirected accordingly, so that the necessary research and development for pesticide-free production can take place.
With the Pesticide Initiative, we have enough time to transform Swiss agriculture without leaving individual farms behind.
Regina Fuhrer-Wyss, President of the Small Farmers’ Association
Fair rules for everyone
To protect Swiss agriculture, the initiative “For a Switzerland Free of Synthetic Pesticides” stipulates that, if adopted, not only the agricultural sector but also public authorities, private individuals, and companies must refrain from using synthetic pesticides. Furthermore, all food products imported into Switzerland must also be produced without these hazardous substances.
These rules create a level playing field for everyone and prevent cheap, inferior food imports from entering the country and flooding our market.
Karine Contat, Board Member of Bio Suisse
The three agricultural organisations Demeter Switzerland, Bio Suisse, and the Small Farmers’ Association are calling on farmers as well as consumers to stand on the side of sustainable agriculture and vote YES on the Pesticide Initiative on 13 June.
