Alpine farming Lack of compatibility leads to staff shortages on the alpine pastures
It's not just the work on the alp that poses a challenge, it's also difficult to reconcile it with life in the valley. This is the result of a study by the Bern University of Applied Sciences, which investigated the increasing shortage of staff on the Swiss Alps.
20.04.2026, 15:56
SDA
"Anyone who works on the alp for several months of the year has to find sustainable solutions for the rest of the year - both professionally and privately," co-author Sandra Contzen was quoted as saying in a press release on Monday. The study by the School of Agricultural, Forest and Food Sciences concluded that this hybrid lifestyle is becoming increasingly difficult as life responsibilities increase.
However, the conditions there are also decisive for a return to the alp. These include the employment conditions, work organization and personnel management. In addition to fair wages, employees value appreciation, planning security, transparent communication and professional management.
More recognition for skills
Frequent staff changes lead to a loss of knowledge - which in turn makes sustainable management more difficult. The study therefore proposes measures. These include better recognition of the skills acquired on the alp as well as further training for alp managers in personnel management.
Every year, around 17,000 alpine herdsmen and women manage around 6,500 summering farms, according to the Bern University of Applied Sciences' School of Agricultural, Forest and Food Sciences. However, it is becoming increasingly difficult to find staff, especially for skilled jobs in animal husbandry and cheese production.
The study was conducted together with the Swiss Alpine Farming Association. Among other things, it was based on a survey of alpine staff with 360 participants.
