Switzerland is set to rely entirely on imports for its food supply until the conclusion of 2024, according to a statement from the Swiss Farmers' Union. The union highlights that from Tuesday

onwards, the country will depend solely on imported food to meet its needs for the rest of the year.

The Swiss Farmers’ Union underscores that domestic agriculture currently only produces 52% of the food required by the population, marking a decline in Switzerland's "gross self-sufficiency rate" over recent years.

This dependency on imports positions Switzerland as one of the world's largest net importers of food, as noted by the Swiss Farmers’ Union.

Comparatively, Switzerland's neighbors fare better in terms of self-sufficiency. For instance, Germany boasts an 88% self-sufficiency rate, allowing it to rely on domestic produce until November 1st. Similarly, France produces enough food to meet the entire needs of its population.

Despite the convenience of importing food, the Swiss Farmers' Union emphasizes that food production abroad carries a heavier ecological footprint than domestic production. They cite a report from the Federal Office for the Environment, indicating that 75% of Switzerland's ecological footprint associated with consumption originates from abroad.

The union advocates for protecting Swiss production areas and supporting local agriculture, asserting that such measures are crucial not only for ensuring food security but also for mitigating global environmental impact. Photo by Art Anderson, Wikimedia commons.