Drinking water initiative endangers Swiss vegetable growers
The initiative "For clean drinking water and healthy food - No subsidies for pesticides and prophylactic use of antibiotics" wants to prevent substances polluting waters and drinking water from entering the water cycle. Farmers will only receive direct payments if they do not use pesticides (PPPs). The initiative was submitted to the Federal Chancellery last Thursday by a committee of private citizens. The Chancellery will now check the submitted signatures for their validity.
Initiative affects more than 3,500 vegetable businesses
It is still unknown when and if the initiative will come to a vote. However, it is already clear that the initiative in its existing form is severely threatening Swiss growers. On the one hand, it directly affects the more than 3500 vegetable businesses in Switzerland that are entitled to direct payments. On the other hand, it falsely suggests to consumers that vegetable cultivation without the use of pesticides (PPPs) is possible at today's levels. The consequences would be fatal: "Without the use of PPPs, vegetable growers would not be able to protect their crops from disease, pests and weeds," says Jimmy Mariéthoz, director of the Association of Swiss Vegetable Producers (VSGP).
Initiative leads to questionable imports from abroad
Without protection by PPPs, larger acreages would be required to produce the required vegetables. The already expensive production would become even more expensive and would not be worthwhile in Switzerland. A reduction in self-sufficiency and import of vegetables from abroad would be the result. These are often produced under worse employment conditions and less stringent requirements. In addition, the alleged problem of PPPs would simply be pushed abroad.
There are already feasible alternatives
The VSGP does not want to stand still. It is committed to the sustainable use of PPPs in accordance with the guidelines of SwissGAP and SUISSE GUARANTEE (ÖLN). The use of PPPs has been significantly reduced in recent years. In 2017, the Federal Council also adopted the "Action Plan for Risk Reduction and Sustainable Use of Plant Protection Products". The plan envisages halving the risks of PPPs and promoting alternatives to chemical crop protection. The VSGP supports the action plan and is committed to practical implementation. A complete renunciation of PPPs - as the initiative demands - is not realistic. Neither in integrated nor biological production. The VSGP will therefore push back hard against the initiative.
For more information:
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