One in four vegetable fields in Switzerland is now organic

Vegetable cultivation is gaining importance in Switzerland, with organic farming playing a growing role, according to new data from the Federal Statistical Office (FSO). Since 1996, the area dedicated to organic vegetables has increased six times, reaching 3,160 hectares.

Currently, one in four hectares used for vegetable production is organic, as reported in the FSO publication "Vegetables in Switzerland". Over the same period, the total vegetable-growing area in the country has grown by 50%, reaching 12,750 hectares, which is slightly larger than Lake Lucerne.

Despite this growth, an FSO survey in 2023 revealed that Swiss consumers prioritize other factors over organic certification when buying vegetables. Seasonality, regional or Swiss origin, and appearance were the top concerns, followed by price and eco-friendly packaging, while organic production was the least important factor.

Vegetable consumption in Switzerland has remained steady in recent years, averaging 100 kilograms per person annually. Fruit vegetables like tomatoes, zucchinis, and melons are the most popular, followed by root crops such as carrots, fennel, and beetroot, with salads trailing behind.

In 2023, Switzerland’s self-sufficiency rate for vegetables was 44%, compared to 54% for food overall. The value of vegetable production reached CHF 758 million ($831 million), representing around 6% of the country’s total agricultural output.

source: swissinfo.ch

photo: swiss-farmers.ch