The Agri-food Situation and Policies in Switzerland

Abstract

Complete document available on OLIS in its original format This document and any map included herein are without prejudice to the status of or sovereignty over any territory, to the delimitation of international frontiers and boundaries and to the name of any territory, city or area.

Boosting productivity in Switzerland

“…The overall weighted average on all products is much smaller (1.3%); however, even small duties can affect trade volume as they imply formalities and administrative costs. Export and import subsidies also distort trade (Jarrett and Moeser, 2013). 19951996199719981999200020012002200320042005200720082009 Similarly, but to a lesser extent, Switzerland imposes constraints on inward foreign direct investments (FDI) (Figure 19), especially regarding electricity and the media, more so than on average in the OECD and much more than best practice.…”

Reforming agricultural subsidies to support biodiversity in Switzerland

“…Since 1999, direct payments to farmers have been conditional on good environmental practices required by "proof of ecological performance" (PEP). Although Swiss direct payments are similar to cross-compliance under the EU Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), in Switzerland they are subject to stricter conditions than in many other OECD countries (Jarrett and Moeser, 2013). PEP is based on the approach of "integrated production principles" and includes:…”

“…Although agricultural support in Switzerland has been reduced since reforms began in 1993, levels remain high compared to other OECD countries (Jarrett and Moeser, 2013) (Figure 4). As of 2015, direct payments still represented nearly two-thirds of the agricultural contribution (0.7%) to Swiss gross domestic product (CHF 648 billion), leaving just one-third from marketbased valued-added (OECD, 2015b).…”

“…For the period 2014-17, a total of CHF 13.83 billion was earmarked for agricultural policy measures, which corresponds to a slightly higher level of annual funding over previous years (Jarrett and Moeser, 2013).…”

“…On the other hand, in Switzerland agricultural support has been progressively delinked from production and subjected to stricter conditions than in many other OECD countries (Jarrett and Moeser, 2013). OECD countries, 1995-2011Direction of change, 1995-97 to 2009 Source: OECD (2013), OECD Compendium of Agri-environmental Indicators, http://dx.doi.org/10.1787/9789264186217-en.…”