Precision farming cuts pesticide use in Switzerland

Context

In brief

• Pilot project reduces pesticides by 25%
• Technology saves up to 80% in some situations
• Economic and practical obstacles for large-scale application

Key facts

• What: Pilot project on precision farming
• When: 2026
• Where: Three cantons in German-speaking Switzerland
• Who: Farmers and phytosanitary services
• Amount: Average reduction of 25% in pesticide use

A pilot project conducted in three cantons of German-speaking Switzerland demonstrates how digitalization can become a valuable ally for the environment. Thanks to precision farming, it has been possible to reduce the use of pesticides by an average of 25%. In some situations, the results have been even more significant. Thomas Käser, a vegetable producer who participated in the project, explains: 'I remove weeds from a lettuce field and apply phytosanitary products to each head, in a targeted manner.' Thanks to a series of cameras and intelligent systems, he is able to distinguish crops from weeds and intervene only where necessary. In this phase of production, Käser has managed to save up to 80% of pesticides.

Benefits and challenges

Alongside the benefits, the study has also highlighted numerous difficulties. Andreas Distel, head of the phytosanitary service of the canton of Aargau, states: 'These are expensive technologies and not all companies have the necessary means.' This is added to the characteristics of Swiss agriculture, made up of small fields and very diversified crops, which often make the purchase of such complex machinery unprofitable. New practical limits also emerge. Käser recounts: 'In our company we cultivate 30 different types of vegetables. After each use we have to wash the machinery before entering the next field.'

Transition to sustainable agriculture

For experts, these critical issues do not represent a rejection of innovation, but rather a sign of a transition that requires time. Annett Latsch of Agroscope observes: 'In light of market prices, companies cannot change production systems overnight.' In an initial phase, the most advanced technologies could therefore be adopted mainly by agromechanical companies that work for third parties. The goal, however, remains shared. As Distel recalls: 'Even for a pesticide, the usual motto applies: use as much as is necessary, but as little as possible.' A long, perhaps slow, journey, but one that marks a clear direction towards more efficient and sustainable agriculture.

Operational details

Impact on Ticino Agriculture

Precision agriculture represents a challenge for the Canton of Ticino as well, where the small size of agricultural businesses and the diversity of crops make it difficult to adopt advanced technologies. However, the environmental benefits and long-term cost reduction could encourage a change. Businesses operating in Ticino could benefit from subsidies or funding for the purchase of machinery, making the adoption of these technologies more accessible.

Comparison with Traditional Agriculture

Traditional agriculture in Ticino is based on established methods that require more intensive use of pesticides and labor. Precision agriculture, on the other hand, allows for the optimization of resources and the reduction of waste. For example, the targeted use of pesticides not only reduces the environmental impact but also production costs. However, the transition requires a significant initial investment and adequate training for workers.

Future Scenarios

If precision agriculture were to spread in Ticino, a significant reduction in the use of pesticides and an improvement in the quality of crops could be seen. Agricultural businesses could become more competitive in the market, thanks to more efficient and sustainable production. However, the transition requires time and resources, and not all businesses will be able to immediately adopt these new technologies.

Comparison with the Previous Situation

Before the introduction of precision agriculture, agricultural businesses in Ticino relied on traditional methods that required more intensive use of pesticides. This resulted in higher costs and a greater environmental impact. With the adoption of advanced technologies, businesses can now reduce costs and improve the sustainability of their operations. However, the transition requires a significant initial investment and adequate training for workers.

Concrete Procedures

To adopt precision agriculture, agricultural businesses in Ticino must follow a series of steps. First, it is necessary to assess the economic feasibility of the investment. Subsequently, businesses must purchase the necessary machinery and train the personnel. Finally, it is important to monitor the results and make any changes to optimize the use of technologies.

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Key points

Concrete actions for agricultural producers

For agricultural producers in Ticino who wish to adopt precision agriculture, it is essential to follow a series of concrete steps. First, it is necessary to assess the economic feasibility of the investment. This includes estimating the initial costs and potential long-term savings. Subsequently, companies must purchase the necessary machinery, such as cameras and intelligent systems for monitoring crops. Finally, it is important to train staff in the correct use of new technologies.

Monitoring and optimization

Once the new technologies have been adopted, it is fundamental to monitor the results and make any changes to optimize the use of the technologies. This includes collecting data on crops and analyzing the results to identify any areas for improvement. Agricultural companies can also benefit from consultations with industry experts to optimize the use of technologies.

Useful tools

For agricultural producers in Ticino, a series of useful tools are available to adopt precision agriculture. These include software for monitoring crops, sensors for data collection, and intelligent irrigation systems. Additionally, companies can benefit from funding and subsidies for the purchase of advanced machinery.

Conclusion

Precision agriculture represents a challenge, but also an opportunity for agricultural companies in Ticino. By adopting advanced technologies, companies can reduce costs and improve the sustainability of their operations. However, the transition requires time and resources, and not all companies will be able to immediately adopt these new technologies. For agricultural producers who wish to adopt precision agriculture, it is essential to follow a series of concrete steps and benefit from useful tools to optimize the use of technologies.

For more information and useful tools, visit our cost calculator and discover how precision agriculture can transform your business.

Source: rsi.ch