Summary
The Federal Office for Agriculture (BLW) presented the Strategy 2035 for Sustainable Protection of Crops on January 12, 2026. In light of declining approved plant protection products, lack of alternatives, and new harmful organisms, Switzerland is developing a comprehensive package of measures with ten key elements. Implementation will take place within the framework of Agricultural Policy 30+ (AP30+) from 2030 onwards and aims to strengthen domestic crop production while reducing risks.
Persons & Institutions
Topics
- Plant protection and crops
- Pesticide reduction
- Agricultural policy
- Sustainable agriculture
- Pest control
Detailed Summary
The Federal Council adopted an interim report on the Plant Protection Products Action Plan in May 2024, which documents progress in risk reduction but also reveals growing supply gaps. Swiss crop production is under pressure: the number of approved products is declining continuously, proven alternatives are lacking, and invasive harmful organisms are increasingly appearing.
The BLW is responding with a strategic reorientation, developed in close collaboration with agriculture and stakeholders. The ten key measures include:
- National monitoring platform for systematic identification of protection product gaps
- Competence and demonstration networks for research and practical testing of new solutions
- Promotion of robust varieties with natural resistance
- Expansion of biological pest control (classical methods)
- Optimization of application techniques to reduce risks
- Simplification of approval procedures for plant protection products
While some measures are already being implemented, others are still in the development phase. Integration into AP30+ ensures comprehensive implementation from 2030 onwards and anchors plant protection permanently in Swiss agricultural policy.
Key Messages
- Supply crisis: Declining number of approved plant protection products threatens food security
- Holistic approach: Combination of biological, technological, and breeding solutions
- Timeline: Full implementation from 2030 through integration into AP30+
- Stakeholder participation: Close collaboration with agriculture and interest groups
- Dual objective: Protect crops AND reduce pesticide risks
Stakeholders & Affected Parties
| Group | Role |
|---|---|
| Farmers | Directly affected; primary users of new solutions |
| Consumers | Benefit from safer food products |
| Environment & Biodiversity | Benefits from risk reduction |
| Plant protection product industry | Must adapt to new approval standards |
| Research & Innovation | Increased demand for new technologies |
Opportunities & Risks
| Opportunities | Risks |
|---|---|
| Strengthening of research & innovation | Transition problems until 2030 |
| Higher product quality & safety | Yield losses during conversion |
| Competitive advantage through robust varieties | Cost increases for farms |
| Reduction of environmental burden | Dependence on new technologies |
| Long-term food security | Market concentration among few solutions |
Action Relevance
For decision-makers:
- Immediately: Provide resources for monitoring platform and networks
- 2026–2029: Evaluate pilot projects and optimize approval processes
- From 2030: Ensure full integration into AP30+
- Monitor: Development of new harmful organisms and market changes in plant protection products
Quality Assurance & Fact-checking
- [x] Central statements and data verified
- [x] Official source: news.admin.ch (BLW press release)
- [x] Publication date confirmed: January 12, 2026
- [x] No unverified claims
- [x] Formulated neutrally and factually
Supplementary Research
- Federal Office for Agriculture (BLW) – Official Strategy 2035 and AP30+ documentation
- State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) – Agricultural policy framework
- Agroscope – Research results on alternative plant protection methods
Bibliography
Primary source:
Federal Office for Agriculture (BLW) – Press release of January 12, 2026
https://www.news.admin.ch/de/newnsb/kWh81hLzBDlv_WkHR0QU7
Supplementary sources:
- Swiss Federal Council (May 2024) – Interim report "Plant Protection Products Action Plan"
- Agroscope – Research program on biological pest control
- Swiss Farmers' Association – Position paper on Agricultural Policy 30+
Verification status: ✓ Facts checked on January 12, 2026
Footer (Transparency Notice)
This text was created with the assistance of Claude.
Editorial responsibility: clarus.news | Fact-checking: January 12, 2026