Reduction of tariff protection threatens Swiss vegetable production

The Association of Swiss Vegetable Producers (VSGP) is concerned about the Federal Council's report on agricultural policy from 2022 onwards. "A reduction of tariff protection threatens Swiss vegetable production" is the Association of Swiss Vegetable Producers’ message to the Federal Council. In early November, the governing body presented a report on the development of its agricultural policy, promising a reduction of its border protection - much to the annoyance of the agricultural industry.

The dismantling of border protection represents an existential threat to Swiss vegetable production, writes the VSGP in a statement. The Swiss vegetable growing industry hardly benefits from any form of state support, in contrast to their European competitors. The VSGP agrees with the Federal Council that in the future value creation should be generated on the market and entrepreneurial development should be promoted. In order to achieve these goals, Swiss vegetable production would need tariff protection because there quite simply are different production conditions at home and abroad. Therefore, the VSGP rejects every step towards simplified market access.