Agricultural policy 2030: cuts of over 120 million (cross-border guide)

Context

In a nutshell

• The 2030 agricultural policy provides for cuts of over 120 million francs.
• Incentives for innovation and farmers' position in the market are enhanced.
• Objective: to increase food security in Switzerland.

Key facts

• What: Reduced funding and enhanced incentives for agricultural innovation.
• When: Since 2030.
• Where: Switzerland.
• Who: Federal Council.
• Amount: Cuts of over 120 million francs.

The Federal Council has put the Agricultural Policy from 2030 (PA30+) into consultation, with the aim of increasing Switzerland's food security by expanding farmers' room for manoeuvre at farm level. The consultation is open until 8 December. At the same time, actors in the agri-food chain and consumers are called upon to assume greater responsibilities to ensure an ecologically, economically and socially sustainable food system.

Direct Payments Reform

The PA30+ intervenes in four main areas. The first concerns the reform of the system of direct payments in the areas of ecology and animal welfare. Currently, these contributions are closely linked to compliance with certain requirements; in the future, they will be more oriented towards achieving concrete results. The aim is to give farmers more freedom in the management of their farms.

Digitalization

Operational details

The new agricultural policy 2030 represents a significant change for the Swiss agricultural sector. With cuts of over 120 million francs, the government aims to reduce direct funding to farmers, but at the same time intends to strengthen incentives for innovation and the market position of farmers. Implications for Farmers: Swiss farmers will be called upon to take on greater responsibilities to ensure a sustainable food system. The reform of direct payments will allow them to have greater freedom in managing their businesses, directing contributions towards achieving concrete results. This change could lead to greater efficiency and innovation in the agricultural sector. Digitalization and Administrative Burden: Digitalization is seen as a means to reduce the administrative burden throughout the agri-food chain. The creation of a new legal basis for digitalization could simplify bureaucratic procedures, allowing farmers to focus more on production and innovation. Markets and Solidarity: Strengthening market observation and extending solidarity measures are intended to bolster farmers' market position. This additional support for the dairy sector and crops directly intended for human consumption could improve farmers' economic situation, making the sector more competitive and sustainable. Crop Protection and Climate Change: Measures to promote beneficial insects and organisms, support sustainable technologies, and strengthen training and consulting are crucial for adapting to climate change. These interventions will enable agricultural businesses to be more resilient and to face environmental challenges more effectively. Consumers and Sustainability: Raising citizens' awareness of Swiss products and agreements on objectives with traders are tools to promote sustainability throughout the value chain. This approach could lead to greater consumer awareness and an increase in demand for local and sustainable products. Spending Limits: The Federal Council intends to submit to Parliament the spending limits for agriculture in the 2030-2033 period, for a total of 13.8 billion francs. This step is fundamental to ensuring the financial sustainability of the agricultural sector and to ensuring that resources are used effectively and efficiently.

Key points

The new agricultural policy 2030 requires concrete action from farmers, consumers, and authorities. Here's what to do to adapt to the new changes:

For Farmers

Farmers must be ready to manage their business with greater autonomy and to focus on achieving concrete results. It is important to follow the new guidelines for direct payments and to take advantage of the opportunities offered by digitalization to reduce the administrative burden.

For Consumers

Consumers can contribute to the sustainability of the Swiss food system by purchasing local and sustainable products. Awareness of Swiss products is crucial to promote sustainability throughout the value chain.

For Authorities

Authorities must closely monitor the implementation of the new agricultural policy and ensure that solidarity measures and agreements with traders on objectives are effective. It is important to ensure that resources are used efficiently and effectively to achieve sustainability goals.

Tools and Resources

For more information and support, farmers and consumers can consult the Federal Council's website and the resources available for the new agricultural policy 2030. It is important to stay informed and actively participate in the consultation process to contribute to the success of the new agricultural policy.

Salary Calculator

To calculate your salary and better understand the tax implications of the new agricultural policy, you can use the salary calculator. This tool provides a detailed overview of taxes and social contributions, helping you to better plan your finances.

Source: tio.ch