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Switzerland's 'Nutrition Initiative' Aims to Boost Self-Sufficiency and Promote Sustainable Farming

The 'Nutrition Initiative' wants to make Switzerland more self-sufficient in food. It may lead to higher prices initially, but aims to boost domestic production and promote sustainability.

It is an agriculture land many plants are plotted into the ground and in front of of the field...
It is an agriculture land many plants are plotted into the ground and in front of of the field there is a machine, it is spelling the water on the crops and behind the machine there are huge trees and behind the trees there are other types of crops.

Switzerland's 'Nutrition Initiative' Aims to Boost Self-Sufficiency and Promote Sustainable Farming

The 'Nutrition Initiative' has been submitted, aiming to boost Switzerland's self-sufficiency and promote sustainable farming and nutrition. Submitted on August 16, 2024, it seeks to increase the net self-sufficiency rate to at least 70% within a decade.

The initiative calls for a shift towards more plant-based foods and better consumption habits. It demands sufficient clean drinking water, biodiversity, and soil fertility. This transition may lead to short-term price increases, particularly for meat, dairy, and eggs, due to reduced supply and higher production costs. Household spending on food may rise initially, and catering and processing industries will need to adapt.

Animal product imports are likely to decrease, while imports of plant-based proteins and specialty ingredients may increase temporarily. The Federal Council finds some goals sensible but considers them challenging to achieve within the given timeframe due to necessary interventions and infrastructure changes. IG Wild beim Wild, a non-profit animal rights organization, supports the initiative as it promotes sustainable domestic agriculture, more plant-based foods, and clean drinking water.

The 'Nutrition Initiative' seeks to strengthen Switzerland's food security and promote sustainability. While it may lead to short-term price increases and require significant changes, it aims to decrease the share of imported calories and boost domestic production. The initiative's success depends on consumers adapting their eating habits and industries adjusting to the new demands.

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