Although farmers in the non-EU country Switzerland face increasing concerns such as stricter policies, shorter holiday periods, and economic pressure, a significant portion is content with their lives. This satisfaction often stems from strong community ties and their connection to the land and nature.
Business results show large regional differences. In hilly and mountainous areas, profit margins are sometimes a quarter to half less than those of agricultural enterprises in flat farming regions. The incomes of farmers and their (family) employees rose more than five percent due to new non-agricultural side activities.
The Swiss agricultural sector contributes an added value of about 5 billion euros and remains an important part of the national economy. Farmers’ income is partly supported by government subsidies. Yet, criticism exists that incomes are not always sufficient to encourage older generations to continue working in the sector.
The economic situation of Swiss farmers remains a concern. Switzerland’s real GDP growth is moderate, partly due to rising living costs and decreasing domestic consumption. This directly impacts rural residents and forces many farmers to adjust their operations.
Nonetheless, government reports indicate there are opportunities: demand for organic and local products has increased, providing space for entrepreneurs willing to invest in sustainable and innovative production methods.
To support farmers, subsidies and government measures remain essential, as emphasized in the 2024 annual report. The initial draft budget for 2025 shows the Swiss government intends to allocate extra funds for Defense and aid to Ukraine, with no cuts planned for the agriculture budget. However, savings are required in other ministries.
A notable development is the growing commitment of Swiss farmers to produce more environmentally friendly. According to the latest reports, farmers have made significant strides to reduce their ecological footprint, with measures ranging from the use of advanced technologies to initiatives for CO2 reduction and water management.w