Once again, the farmers’ association launched an initiative on Sunday. The mass animal husbandry initiative is massively rejected by the electorate. Good lobbying is probably one of the reasons for the renewed victory. This is often mentioned even before the vote.
You are doing an excellent job. We all have to learn from it.
Fabio Regazzi, President of the Swiss Trade Association, thinks you can take a lesson from it: “You are doing an excellent job. We all have to learn from it.”
SP National Councilor Flavia Wasserfallen also sees a great deal of influence from the farmers’ association: “I sometimes notice that the voice is strong and influential. But there are also many different voices within the farmers’ association.”
Legend:
Bound to tradition: Farmers in traditional costumes accompany their cows during the descent through the old town of Bern, on the occasion of the traditional “Sichlete”, on Monday, September 19, 2022 in Bern.
key stone
role has changed significantly
Influence is difficult to measure scientifically, says Peter Moser, head of the archive for agricultural history. “The farmers’ association loses more members every year than any other organization. In its 125-year history, the image of the all-powerful farmers’ association must be put into perspective.” There is also a role change. Up until about 50 years ago, the farmers’ association had an influence on the training of farmers and agronomists. This is now gone. Therefore, only the political arena remains as a sphere of influence. “And there he tends to act reactively today. He tries to put the very different expectations of him into perspective. That puts him in a defensive situation, »said Moser.
In its 125-year history, the image of the all-powerful farmers’ association must be put into perspective.
However, the image of agriculture is still good, according to a street survey in the city and in the country. The statements: “They do it well, the farmers.” – «We would not be well off without the farmers.» – “I’m glad we have them.” There are almost no critical voices. Only one young man thinks: “Swiss agriculture still has a few things that need to be improved.”
Together into the future?
This good image comes as no surprise to consumer advocate Sara Stalder. The farmers’ association could sell well.
It needs more innovation.
The director of the consumer protection foundation also criticizes the work of the farmers’ association a lot: “More innovation is needed. Important issues are just around the corner, such as climate change and ecological production. The farmers’ association should help there. But everything is blocked.”
But we are also open to new things.
One is certainly a rather conservative part of society, confirms the President of the Swiss Farmers’ Association, Markus Ritter. “But we’re also open to new things,” says Ritter. For example, for the topic of food policy proposed by the Federal Council. “It’s no longer just about agricultural policy. But also about processing, trade, the consumers, »explains Ritter. We want all of them to be included.
However, the more positions you include, the more difficult it will probably be to agree on a common denominator.