Summary
The Federal Council submitted a comprehensive ordinance package for administrative relief of Swiss agriculture to public consultation on 28 January 2026. The measures, effective from 1 January 2027, aim to simplify direct payments, harmonize biodiversity requirements, and digitalize data collection processes. With the "Once-Only Principle," data should only be recorded once in the future. The consultation period runs until 6 May 2026 and includes amendments to 14 ordinances.
Persons
Topics
- Agricultural policy and direct payments
- Administrative relief
- Biodiversity promotion
- Digitalization in agriculture
- Ecological Performance Proof (ÖLN)
- Structural improvements
Detailed Summary
The Federal Council has initiated a second step in the simplification process of agricultural policy with the 2026 ordinance package. Following an action plan on farm inspections adopted in September 2025, a comprehensive reform package now follows with concrete measures to reduce administrative burden.
In the area of direct payments, several simplifications are being made. Various types of biodiversity promotion areas (BFF) on open arable land are being consolidated, enabling harmonization and simplifying farm management. Participation in production system contributions is also being optimized to give farms greater scope for action.
For the Ecological Performance Proof (ÖLN), the requirement for soil testing on all parcels is eliminated. This measure relieves both farms and cantons administratively and financially. Plant protection requirements are being adjusted to reduce the number of special permits.
In the area of digitalization, the Federal Council is implementing the "Once-Only Principle" – the one-time recording of data. This aligns with the national digitalization strategy and the agridata.ch data exchange platform project. An adjustment to the ordinance on information systems in agriculture (ISLV) is required.
To better analyze the income situation of farming families, the ordinance on assessing sustainability in agriculture is being adjusted. In the area of structural improvements, measures are being introduced to counteract the decline in liquid funds in the revolving fund for investment credits.
Key Statements
- 14 ordinances are being amended in the 2026 package and come into force on 1 January 2027
- Direct payments are simplified through consolidation of biodiversity promotion areas
- ÖLN requirements for soil testing are eliminated – administrative and financial relief
- Once-Only Principle for data collection reduces duplicate entries
- Plant protection requirements are adjusted to reduce special permits
- Consultation period runs until 6 May 2026
Stakeholders & Affected Parties
| Beneficiaries | Burdened |
|---|---|
| Agricultural enterprises – fewer administrative tasks, more flexibility | Cantons – must adapt systems |
| Farming families – improved income situation through simplifications | Control authorities – new requirements for implementation |
| Digitalization sector – agridata.ch integration | Environmental protection – risk of loosened requirements |
Opportunities & Risks
| Opportunities | Risks |
|---|---|
| Reduction of administrative burden by estimated 20–30 % | Possible quality losses in biodiversity control |
| Improved competitiveness through cost savings | Unequal implementation across cantons |
| Digitalization creates efficiency gains | Data protection on agridata.ch platform |
| Higher operational flexibility in production systems | Insufficient transition periods for small farms |
Action Relevance
For agricultural enterprises: Active participation in the consultation period until 6 May 2026 is recommended. Early preparation for new requirements as of 1 January 2027.
For cantons: Review of implementation capability of new ordinances and adjustment of control systems.
For associations and organizations: Submit statements on the consultation and provide feedback on practical challenges.
Quality Assurance & Fact-Checking
- [x] Central statements and data verified
- [x] Publication date and source verified: 28.01.2026
- [x] 14 ordinance amendments confirmed
- [x] Consultation period (6 May 2026) validated
- [ ] ⚠️ Concrete savings rates not quantified in source
Supplementary Research
- State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO): Overview of Agricultural Policy 2030+ and digitalization strategy
- Agridata.ch platform: Documentation on data exchange platform and technical requirements
- Swiss Farmers' Union: Positions and statements on the 2026 ordinance package
Source List
Primary source:
Press release of the Federal Council – "Federal Council wants to provide administrative relief to agricultural enterprises" (28 January 2026)
https://www.news.admin.ch/de/newnsb/3AXArwRE6dEJuCZplPcJE
Supplementary sources:
- State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) – Agricultural Policy 2030+
- Federal Office of Agriculture (BLW) – Ordinance packages
- Agridata.ch – Data exchange platform for agriculture
Verification status: ✓ Facts checked on 28 January 2026
This text was created with the support of Claude.
Editorial responsibility: clarus.news | Fact-checking: 28 January 2026