The FOAG is taking action today for tomorrow
We are committed to ensuring that farmers produce sustainably and in line with market demands. A multifunctional, value-adding agricultural and food industry is important. The FOAG also focuses on food security for the Swiss population.
Areas of activity
International cooperation
The FOAG represents Switzerland’s position on the international stage, helps shape global cooperation and seeks global solutions to global problems.
Animal products
Animal products play an important role in Swiss agriculture, generating more than half of the country’s agricultural production value.
Sustainability
Sustainability means meeting the needs of the present without compromising the prospects of future generations. This involves pursuing ecological, social and economic goals equally.
Plant health
When trading plants nationally and internationally, regulations are crucial to preventing the spread of diseases and pests. Different conditions apply based on the goods and country.
Imports
The import of agricultural products requires compliance with any customs regulations and, in some cases, permits. The licensing authority and possible tariff-free quotas for imports can be determined using the customs tariff number.
Press releases
Savings Measures: Agroscope Sharpens the Focus of its Research Portfolio
Because of various savings measures passed by the Swiss Parliament and the Federal Council, Agroscope’s ordinary budget shows a structural deficit of around CHF 10 million. This makes a narrowing of the thematic focus of the research portfolio essential, and leads to a loss of 58 full-time positions. Even with this narrowed focus, Agroscope will remain a competent and competitive research institution for the Swiss agriculture and food sector over the long term. The site strategy for Agroscope passed by the Federal Council in May 2020 will continue to be implemented.
Field Trial with Cisgenic Potatoes: Sustainable Disease Resistance Sought
Agroscope is testing the use of new breeding technologies by cultivating a late blight-resistant potato cultivar in the field. Authorised by the Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN), the field study serves as a basis for researching potato varieties containing no foreign DNA. These so called ‘cisgenic’ varieties reduce the need for plant-protection products and can better withstand extreme weather conditions.
Statement establishing a Dialogue on Emerging Agricultural Trade Issues
Australia, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Costa Rica, Iceland, Liechtenstein, New Zealand, Peru, Switzerland, Ukraine and Uruguay established a Statement on a Dialogue on Emerging Agricultural Trade Issues at the 14th Ministerial Conference (MC14) of the World Trade Organization in Yaoundé, Cameroon. The Statement establishes a forum that is expected to build trust and foster mutual understanding of the challenges and opportunities associated with sustainable agriculture, taking into account the diverse realities and approaches of WTO Members. It sends a strong signal that Members are willing to find new ways of engaging on issues of common concern.
Contact and Location
Schwarzenburgstrasse 165
Switzerland - 3003 Bern