Swiss Farmers' Union Complains About High Workload and Low Wages

In addition, the union calls on all parties involved to ensure that agricultural income covers production costs, as current prices, especially in crop production, are too low and are subject to fluctuations due to climate changes.

In 2024, the situation in the agricultural sector was especially tense, with demonstrations and protests throughout Europe and Switzerland. Early that year, Swiss farmers protested with their tractors in the streets of Geneva. 

The Farmers' Union continues to oppose the so-called environmental responsibility plan, on which the Swiss population will vote in a referendum on February 9. The union says that new environmental and climate regulations would ecologically adjust agricultural production, while customers in supermarkets do not demand this.

The union emphasizes that fair prices are essential, as three-quarters of their income comes from the sale of agricultural products. Despite annual government support, the union warns that many family farms struggle to survive. 

Critics point out that Swiss farmers' incomes steadily increased between 2015 and 2021 and that farmers benefit from tax advantages that other workers do not have. Nevertheless, the Farmers' Union continues to push for improvements to strengthen the economic situation of farmers and secure the future of Swiss agriculture.