What exactly is the PA30+?

It is the Agricultural Policy from 2030 onwards (PA30+), a reform of Swiss federal regulation that expands farmers' autonomy and redirects direct payments towards concrete results in terms of ecology and animal welfare, rather than simple compliance with prescriptions. The reform is currently under public consultation until 8 December.

When does the PA30+ come into force?

The reform is expected to enter into force around 2030-2031, with a transition phase from the 2026-2029 regime. Timing will depend on parliamentary approval after public consultation and the federal legislative cycle.

How much money is allocated for the PA30+?

The Federal Council has proposed CHF 13.8 billion for the period 2030-2033. This amount is 123 million less than the 2026-2029 period, but 80 million more than the initial 2030 financial plan.

How can I participate in the consultation?

If you represent an organisation, public body or association, you can submit a written contribution by 8 December to the DEFR through the official channels at www.admin.ch. The detailed procedures are published on the federal websites dedicated to consultation.

What are the four pillars of the PA30+ reform?

The four areas are: (1) Direct payments based on concrete results in ecology and animal welfare; (2) Strengthening market observation and solidarity measures for dairy and plant crops; (3) Crop protection, beneficial insects and adaptation to climate change; (4) Engagement of traders and consumers towards the sustainability of Swiss products.

Agriculture 2030: increased room for manoeuvre (cross-border guide)

Di Redazione Frontaliere Ticino · Published on 2 September 2026

Swiss rural landscape with cultivated fields and mountains in the background, representing the national agricultural sector

Federal Council launches PA30+ consultation until 8 December. CHF 13.8 billion to reform agricultural payments, strengthen Swiss food security.

Context

In brief

Federal Council opens consultation on PA30+ until December 8
13.8 billion CHF allocated for 2030-2033
4 areas of intervention on ecology, markets, crops, consumers
Greater autonomy for farmers, responsibility of the supply chain

Key facts

What: Agricultural Policy Reform with 4 areas of intervention
When: Consultation until December 8, implementation from 2030
Where: All of Switzerland, federal decision
Who: Federal Council, farmers, supply chain actors, consumers
Amount: 13.8 billion CHF for 2030-2033
Reduction: -123 million vs 2026-2029
Increase: +80 million vs 2030 financial plan
Focus: Food security, sustainability, animal welfare

The Federal Council has officially opened the consultation on the Agricultural Policy from 2030 (PA30+), with a deadline set for December 8. The reform revolves around a central objective: to expand the margin of maneuver for farmers to strengthen Switzerland's food security. This is a rewrite of the rules that will affect the entire agri-food chain, from producers to consumers.

The Executive emphasizes that it is not just the responsibility of farmers. PA30+ actively involves other actors in the agri-food chain and consumers themselves, who will have to take on greater responsibilities to ensure a sustainable food system from an ecological, economic, and social point of view. This rethinking of competencies represents an important novelty compared to previous policies.

The four areas of intervention

The reform develops along four strategic axes.

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Operational details

What changes in practice? Several fundamental aspects.

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Key points

How to participate in the consultation

If you represent an agricultural organization, a consumer association, a municipality, a canton, or a public entity, you have a say. The Federal Council has opened the consultation process until December 8, 2026. This is not a formality: the inputs from the consultation can influence the final text of the reform before it goes to Parliament.

The participation methods are published on the federal websites (Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research, DEFR). Interested organizations and citizens can submit written contributions by the deadline.

Next steps: from Parliament to implementation

After the consultation, the Federal Council will collect the feedback and draft the final parliamentary message. Parliament—National Council and Council of States—will have to approve the reform. If the process proceeds as planned, PA30+ could come into force around 2030-2031, with a transition phase from the 2026-2029 regime.

During this transition, farmers will receive official communications about new deadlines and obligations. The reform will also impact employment in the agricultural sector, with new skills required and possible professional opportunities in sustainable consulting. It is advisable to stay informed through official channels: canton websites (which implement a large part of federal agricultural policy), sector organizations (Swiss Farmers' Union, etc.), and federal portals.

Those managing a farm or are stakeholders in the food chain should delve into the details of the proposal on www.admin.ch and the dedicated pages of the DEFR. Many cantons have advisory offices for the agricultural sector: contact them to understand how PA30+ might affect your local reality.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly is the PA30+?: It is the Agricultural Policy from 2030 onwards (PA30+), a reform of Swiss federal regulation that expands farmers' autonomy and redirects direct payments towards concrete results in terms of ecology and animal welfare, rather than simple compliance with prescriptions. The reform is currently under public consultation until 8 December.
When does the PA30+ come into force?: The reform is expected to enter into force around 2030-2031, with a transition phase from the 2026-2029 regime. Timing will depend on parliamentary approval after public consultation and the federal legislative cycle.
How much money is allocated for the PA30+?: The Federal Council has proposed CHF 13.8 billion for the period 2030-2033. This amount is 123 million less than the 2026-2029 period, but 80 million more than the initial 2030 financial plan.
How can I participate in the consultation?: If you represent an organisation, public body or association, you can submit a written contribution by 8 December to the DEFR through the official channels at www.admin.ch. The detailed procedures are published on the federal websites dedicated to consultation.
What are the four pillars of the PA30+ reform?: The four areas are: (1) Direct payments based on concrete results in ecology and animal welfare; (2) Strengthening market observation and solidarity measures for dairy and plant crops; (3) Crop protection, beneficial insects and adaptation to climate change; (4) Engagement of traders and consumers towards the sustainability of Swiss products.