Agricultural Policy 2030+
Work on the next phase of agricultural policy is well under way. The FOAG is laying the foundations for Agricultural Policy 2030+ (AP30+), in response to a parliamentary mandate. A support group consisting of cantons and organisations representing a broad range of interests along the value chain is closely involved in this process. The Federal Council is due to consider the proposals on future agricultural policy in 2026.
Key points
This work was launched following the Federal Council’s approval of the report on the future direction of agricultural policy 20.3931 / 21.3015 (de, fr, it) in June 2022. In this document, the Federal Council used its 2050 projection to show the direction in which agriculture and the food sector need to develop in the long term and defined four strategic priorities for the future development of agricultural policy. During their deliberations on the report, both parliamentary chambers referred motion 22.4251 Realisation of the concept (de, fr, it) to the Federal Council.
A holistic approach to food systems
The postulate report and motion 22.4251 lay the foundation for the development of Agricultural Policy 2030+. The focus is on ensuring that future agricultural policy takes a holistic approach to food systems. This approach includes all stakeholders in the value chain, from farmers to processors and from retailers to consumers.
The postulate report and motion 22.4251 lay the foundation for the development of Agricultural Policy 2030+. The focus is on ensuring that future agricultural policy takes a holistic approach to food systems. This approach includes all stakeholders in the value chain, from farmers to processors and from retailers to consumers.
In particular, agricultural policy will need to achieve the following in future:
- Guarantee food security based on diversified domestic food production that maintains or exceeds the current self-sufficiency level;
- Reduce ecological footprints related to agriculture, from agricultural production to food consumption, while taking account of imports;
- Improve economic and social prospects for agriculture and the agri-food sector;
- Simplify instruments and reduce the administrative burden.
Interim review: A tool for adjusting ambition level
Alongside the process of developing measures, an interim review will be carried out to assess how much progress has been made towards achieving goals. The review will analyse whether any action is required to reach the goals set out in parliamentary initiative 19.475, the 2030 Sustainable Development Strategy and the 2050 projection. Its goals will address the entire value chain, from agriculture to processing and from retail to consumption. It will enable the ambition level of future agricultural policy to be modified in line with any action required.
The project, which began in 2023, is expected to be submitted for consultation in 2026. The Federal Council is set to adopt the dispatch in 2027, and implementation is planned for 1 January 2030, based on the 2030–2033 agricultural expenditure ceilings.
Further information
The FOAG provides a reduced English-language version of its website that does not include all further information such as documents, legislation or links. These can be found on the pages in the three official languages (German, French and Italian).