The Federal Office for Agriculture (FOAG) said on Monday that farmers had increased the number of treatments to save certain crops. An additional 329 tonnes of crop protection products were applied by farmers which is 17% more than in 2020. The increase was blamed on heavy rainfall, which favoured the proliferation of diseases, for example in viticulture or arboriculture.
The adverse weather conditions especially affected organic farming. The use of plant protection products authorised in organic farming totalled 1,233 tonnes, an increase of 36% compared to 2020. The quantity of plant protection products used in organic farming now exceeds that used in conventional farming (1,025 tonnes).
According to the FOAG, this development can be explained by a change in practice. Many farmers have turned to products used in organic farming, which led to the increase in sales. For example, the sale of fungicides like sulphur, copper and potassium bicarbonate together increased by 170 tonnes. All three products are permitted in organic farming. There was also an increase in sales of paraffin oil (154 tonnes), an insecticide allowed in organic farming that was used as a substitute for the insecticide chlorpyrifos, whose use was banned in 2020.
Working on Sundays is detrimental to well-being, says Swiss study
This content was published on
A study by the University of Bern shows that working on Sundays is detrimental to well-being and particularly affects women.
Safra Sarasin private bank and former asset manager sentenced
This content was published on
The Office of the Attorney General of Switzerland has fined private bank J. Safra Sarasin CHF3.5 million for aggravated money laundering. A former bank employee received a six-month suspended prison sentence.
JPMorgan to pay CHF270 million to settle 1MDB claims
This content was published on
JPMorgan Chase has agreed to pay CHF270 million to the Malaysian government to settle all issues related to its role in the 1MDB financial scandal.
Famine confirmed in Gaza for first time, says UN-backed report
This content was published on
Famine has been declared in a northern part of the Gaza Strip, according to the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) system.
Zurich Airport ground handling staff to strike on Friday
This content was published on
Ground handling staff at Zurich Airport have announced a strike for Friday afternoon. According to a union, 200 jobs are at risk.
This content was published on
Philippe Lazzarini will step down as head of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA) at the end of his term in March, he announced on Thursday.
Swiss government predicts CHF845 million budget deficit in 2026
This content was published on
The Federal Council published its 2026 budget proposal on Thursday: a projected deficit of CHF845 million francs ($1 billion).
This content was published on
The Gösgen nuclear power plant in northwestern Switzerland will be out of service for six months. It has not been connected to the grid since late May.
Swiss authorities and firms agree to cut sugar in cereals, yoghurts and drinks
This content was published on
Cereals, yoghurts and drinks in Switzerland will contain less sugar by 2028. The Swiss government and 21 companies renewed the so-called Milan Declaration in Bern on Thursday.
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
Read more
More
Is 100% organic farming a revolution too far?
This content was published on
Organic farming is widely touted as a green and sustainable solution. The experiences of Sri Lanka and Switzerland show the reality is complicated.
This content was published on
Over 60% of Swiss voters have thrown out a pair of initiatives aiming to ban the use of synthetic pesticides in the country.
Switzerland and pesticides: Toxic relationship or necessary evil?
This content was published on
Swiss voters will soon decide if they want an outright ban on synthetic pesticides. Are the claims made by supporters true? A look at the facts.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.