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Labels and programmes

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No direct payments without ecology

All Swiss farms must meet the requirements of the “Proof of Ecological Performance” (PEP) programme in order to receive direct payments. Farming families must comply with the following criteria here:

  • Observe the provisions of the Animal Welfare Act.
  • Demonstrate the balanced use of fertilisers. Farms are required to establish a nutrient balance and are only permitted to apply as much phosphorus and nitrogen as their crops require for growth.
  • Have a minimum share of biodiversity promotion areas. These must account for at least 7% of the agricultural area (a figure of 3.5% applies for special crops). This percentage is exceeded by farming families, with an average of 16% now being recorded.
  • Maintain a regulated crop rotation, i.e. change the crops in a field on an annual basis. This enables farmers to prevent the presence of pests and diseases and to spare the soil.
  • Protect the soil. This is achieved by ensuring optimal soil coverage using winter crops or green manure, for example.
  • Other criteria relate to special crops, buffer strips, the targeted selection and use of pesticides, seeds and planting materials and the management of items in inventories of national importance.

A bud for organic products

The Bio Suisse bud is an important label for Swiss agriculture. A bud farm must fully convert to organic methods across all areas of its business. This is different from EU organic farming, where it is sufficient to only work organically in parts of the business. Organic farming is characterised by, among other things, the renunciation of chemical synthetic pesticides and artificial fertilisers as well as more stringent standards in the area of animal welfare. The criteria for cultivation and processing at Demeter (in German) farms go beyond those of Bio Suisse. These farms work according to biodynamic guidelines and anthroposophical principles.

Bio bud

IP-Suisse: added value through sustainability

IP-Suisse is committed to holistic agriculture with guidelines that go beyond standard production. These include areas such as biodiversity, crop protection and animal welfare. The label of IP-Suisse is the ladybird. The Terrasuisse products of Migros are also sourced from IP-Suisse farms.

IP-Suisse (in German)

Guaranteed to be from Switzerland

Suisse Garantie is a mark of origin. Products awarded this label must originate from Switzerland and be processed here. The farms must meet the requirements of the “Proof of Ecological Performance” (PEP) programme and must not use genetic engineering.

Suisse Garantie (in German)

PDO and PGI: the labels for specialities

The PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) and PGI (Protected Geographical Indication) labels indicate Swiss specialities. The Federal Office for Agriculture (FOAG) registers the products on request. The designations may only be used by those who meet the relevant specification. In the case of the PDO label, all production and processing must take place in the defined region of origin. PGI specialities must either be produced, processed or refined in the region.

PDO and PGI

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