A broad alliance of Swiss nature and environmental organizations, including parts of the agricultural sector, supports the government's proposal, while a no-alliance of the Swiss Farmers' Union and other business associations opposes it. Compared to neighboring (EU) countries, biodiversity in Switzerland is not in good shape.
Supporters argue that species extinction is a major problem that threatens not only nature but also human society, including agriculture and the economy. They say that current measures are insufficient to reverse the ecological crisis in Switzerland.
Opponents, mainly representatives of the agricultural sector, express strong criticism of the proposed measures. They claim these are too rigid and unrealistic, which could seriously limit agricultural production. This would negatively impact food security, as Switzerland has only limited agricultural land available.
Moreover, they fear that stricter rules and restrictions will lead to higher costs for farmers and worsen the competitive position of Swiss products in international markets. Many farmers believe that the initiatives disproportionately burden them and that better, more balanced solutions are possible.
A particular group of opponents consists of Swiss organic farmers, who normally advocate for sustainable agricultural practices. For instance, in the Bern region, organic farmers have spoken out against the initiatives. They emphasize that the current initiatives could undermine their competitiveness without achieving significant ecological gains.
Additionally, economic arguments carry significant weight in the debate. Farmers and their interest groups are concerned about the financial consequences of the biodiversity measures. They point to the high costs associated with implementing stricter rules.
In recent referendums on environmental and climate issues in Switzerland, voters have expressed their opinions multiple times. For example, in June 2021, the Swiss rejected the "CO2 Act," an important part of Swiss climate policy aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This proposal was rejected due to concerns about the economic impact, especially on rural areas and the middle class.
However, in 2022, the Swiss voted in favor of the "Yes to Climate Protection" law, which introduced new rules to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and helped comply with international climate goals.