Drought: Federal Government Relaxes Feed Rules for Organic Farms
Due to water scarcity, organic farmers may temporarily purchase more conventional feed
The Federal Government is relaxing rules for organic farms due to persistent drought. They can temporarily purchase more feed without losing their organic status. The Federal Office for Agriculture (BLW) announced this on Monday.
Initial Situation
Drought is impacting Swiss agriculture. Regions in the Central Plateau and Western Switzerland are particularly affected. Forage yields on meadows remain significantly below the long-term average. For organic farms, this presents a dual challenge: they must feed their animals with organic feed, but their own supplies are insufficient.
The BLW is responding with a temporary exception. Organic farms may therefore purchase a higher proportion of conventional feed until the end of November than the organic ordinance normally allows. The exact percentages are specified in a directive published on the Federal Office's website.
New Rules
The relaxation applies to ruminants such as cattle, sheep, and goats. The purchase of conventional hay, silage, and grain is permitted. A prerequisite is that the feed originates from Switzerland or the border region. Exceptions for imports from non-EU countries are not planned.
The BLW justifies the measure by the need to secure the organic production of animal products in Switzerland. Bio Suisse, the umbrella organization for organic agriculture, expresses a similar view. A spokesperson emphasizes that the adjustment is supported. It is important that farms can feed their animals appropriately without jeopardizing their organic status.
The exception is limited to the period until November 30. The BLW reserves the right to regularly evaluate the situation and extend it if necessary.
Impact
For consumers, the relaxation is unlikely to be noticeable. Most organic products in stores originate from Switzerland. The additional feeding options maintain production. According to industry representatives, a shortage of Swiss organic milk or organic meat is not expected.
However, the drought could increase feed prices. This, in turn, could later affect producer prices. How significantly depends on further weather developments. Meteorologists do not currently expect any relief.
Politics observes the situation with concern. Individual cantons have already implemented water-saving measures. The Federal Government is also examining further support measures for agriculture. However, concrete decisions have not yet been made.
Affected farms can apply for the exception from the BLW. The authority recommends carefully studying the new requirements and contacting cantonal specialist agencies in case of ambiguities.
