In the next round of referendums to be held on September 27th, Swiss voters will cast their ballots on locally-grown food supply. But what’s it all about?
As well as voting on the thorny issue of neutrality in September’s national votes, the other issue on the ballot is the “Food Initiative,” instigated by a small group of individuals led by an environmental activist Franziska Herren.
The initiative states that the Swiss population must have access at all times to sufficient quantities of high-quality and affordable food.
Therefore, the government must create the conditions necessary to achieve this goal. Currently, however, Swiss agriculture meets just under half of the country’s food needs, the instigators say; the remainder is imported.
The country’s agriculture must also meet a range of requirements set by the group, which include protecting the environment, biodiversity, and drinking water.
Who is supporting this move?
Among the group’s very few supporters are the left-wing Young Greens.
The Federal Council and the Parliament, on the other hand, believe that the initiative is too extreme and political parties agree.
They point out that the objectives laid out by the group could only be achieved – and with great difficulty at that – within 10 years.
Also, the state would have to intervene massively in production and food habits of the population, which would entail high costs and restrict consumer choices.
Latest polls predict that both initiatives will be rejected.
And this article explains which cantonal issues will be voted on September 27th:
READ MORE: The key Swiss cantonal referendums this September
