More expensive milk and potatoes, kennel also dries up wallets (cross-border guide)

Context

In brief

• Heatwaves and drought hit Swiss agriculture
• Estimated losses of 522 million francs in 2026
• Price increases for milk and potatoes

Key facts

• What: Agricultural losses due to heatwave and drought
• When: 2026
• Where: Switzerland
• Who: Swiss Farmers' Union (SFU)
• Amount: 522 million francs

Zurich - The heatwaves and prolonged drought that hit Switzerland this summer are leaving a deep mark on the agricultural sector. With decimated harvests and soaring production costs for forced irrigation, the economic consequences are now directly affecting prices, with increases already decided for milk and potatoes.

According to estimates by the Swiss Farmers' Union (SFU), the total losses for Swiss agriculture will amount to 522 million francs in 2026. "This figure matches the losses of 2003, another year characterized by a record heatwave," a spokesperson told the Awp agency.

Agricultural Losses

The picture painted by the SFU is dramatic: it is estimated that 50% of the grain maize harvest has been lost, while losses for forage maize reach 30%. Potatoes and sugar beets both show a 20% drop, while soybeans, sunflowers, and fresh vegetables see a 10% reduction. Fresh fruits experience a 5% contraction, but it is mainly forage activities, such as hay, that are hit hard, with losses reaching 40%.

Operational details

Impact on Prices

The most alarming figure concerns potatoes. According to the Swisspatat industry organization, the 2026 production stopped at 333,000 tonnes, the lowest level ever recorded. Compared to the 2020-2025 five-year average (411,000 tonnes), there is a drop of almost 20%. To meet demand, Switzerland will have to import around 130,000 tonnes of tubers. The prospects for sugar beets are also bleak, with an estimated loss of 25,000 tonnes, according to preliminary calculations by the Swiss Beet Growers Federation. The fruit sector has not been spared. The Fruit-Union Suisse industry association reports a cherry harvest 15% lower than expected and similar problems for plums and raspberries, whose plants have suffered particularly from the heat and drought. "For the vegetables that are growing now and will be harvested in autumn for storage, smaller sizes and lower quantities should be expected," anticipates Markus Waber, deputy director of the Swiss Vegetable Producers Union (USPV).

Price Increases

In the face of these losses and the higher costs incurred for irrigation, agricultural organizations have initiated negotiations to adjust prices. For milk, an indicative increase of four cents per liter has already been decided, and the sector will ask the Confederation for additional support of four cents to cope with the emergency. In the potato sector, producers have secured a price increase of just two cents per kilogram from the large distribution chains. A figure deemed insufficient by Martin Rufer, director of the USC: "It is clearly insufficient to mitigate the economic consequences of the drought. We had asked for an increase of seven cents for conventional potatoes and thirteen cents for organic ones."

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Key points

Practical Implications

Heatwaves and drought are having a significant impact on Swiss agriculture, with losses estimated at CHF 522 million in 2026. This has led to an increase in prices for milk and potatoes, with direct consequences for consumers. Negotiations to adjust prices are ongoing, but producers are calling for additional support to deal with the emergency.

Actions to Take

For Swiss consumers, it is important to be aware of these price increases and plan accordingly. Agricultural organizations are working to get adequate support from the Confederation, but in the meantime, consumers can look for alternatives or reduce the consumption of agricultural products most affected by drought.

Useful Tools

For more information and to calculate the impact of these increases on your consumption, you can use the calcolatore stipendio available on our website. This tool can help you better understand how these changes will affect your budget.

Conclusion

Heatwaves and drought are having a significant impact on Swiss agriculture, with losses estimated at CHF 522 million in 2026. This has led to an increase in prices for milk and potatoes, with direct consequences for consumers. Negotiations to adjust prices are ongoing, but producers are calling for additional support to deal with the emergency.

Source: tio.ch