More than 70 percent of the 1,600 respondents support the idea of a specific organic professional examination, while 66 percent favor appointing specialized lecturers.
Current programs are still largely focused on conventional agriculture. By developing practice-oriented curricula and innovative teaching methods, the organic sector hopes to attract young people and meet the growing demand for organic products.
Organic farming constitutes a large part of Swiss agriculture. Yet agricultural education mainly concentrates on teaching traditional farming methods. The current vocational training includes only nine modules focused on organic farming. Only Demeter producers have a separate qualification at the professional examination level.
With more than half of Swiss agricultural managers retiring within 15 years, demand is significantly increasing for well-trained managers in the organic sector. Over forty percent of organic businesses are already facing a shortage of staff with in-depth expertise.
Bio Suisse president Urs Brändli has repeatedly emphasized that the organic sector must seize this opportunity to establish its own professional training program. The Swiss organic sector says that a separate vocational program would not only address current education gaps but also increase the attractiveness of the organic sector.
New HBO courses should focus on teaching practical skills and fostering innovation, aimed at sustainability challenges and shifting consumer demand.
The initiative also hopes to attract younger generations to careers in organic farming, which is crucial given the high percentage of farmers soon to retire.
The alliance of organic organizations considers the organic professional exam a key to stimulating innovation and sustainability in agriculture. This would not only meet the sector’s current needs but also contribute long-term by training new generations capable of tackling modern challenges in organic farming, it is stated.