SWITZERLAND: IP Protocols for All Major Crops

Having witnessed a 40% reduction in the sale of pesticides over the past 15 years, Switzerland’s efforts at reducing pesticide use are among the most successful in Europe.

Swiss agricultural subsidies require farmers to adopt minimum ecological standards, including limiting the use of pre-emergence pesticides, using pest warning services and prognosis models when taking farming decisions, and testing spraying equipment at least every four years. Swiss farmers also receive extra subsidies where they demonstrate further substantial decreases in pesticide use.

In addition, 18,000 Swiss farmers have chosen to join IP Suisse: a farmers’ association which works to support its members in adopting strict Integrated Production protocols. In recent years IP Suisse certified farms have generated 110,000 tons of wheat, 30,000 tons of potatoes, and 2,000 tonnes of rapeseed.

Some 75% of Switzerland’s professional fruit producers grow fruit under certified IP Suisse and are collectively responsible for 92% of Swiss apples, 85% of strawberries, and 70% of raspberries.