Agriculture National Council committee rejects the food initiative
The responsible committee of the National Council generally supports a higher degree of self-sufficiency in Switzerland and sustainable cultivation and production methods. However, it rejects the food initiative without a counter-proposal.
14.10.2025, 18:14
SDA
The food initiative calls for food production to focus more on plant-based food. Specifically, it calls for a net level of self-sufficiency in food of at least 70 percent.
According to the Federal Council, this figure currently stands at 46%. The goal should be achieved in ten years. The initiative also calls for the protection of groundwater resources and the promotion of sustainable agriculture and food production.
The National Council's Economic Affairs Committee voted against the initiative with 23 votes in favor and two abstentions, but no votes against. This was announced by the parliamentary services on Tuesday.
If the initiative is adopted, this would result in massive state intervention in the production and consumption of food, according to the WAK-N. The committee is firmly opposed to restricting freedom of choice in this way.
The WAK-N also does not want an alternative constitutional article for the preservation of ecosystems and biodiversity or for the protection of water, soil fertility and biodiversity. It rejected a direct counter-proposal by 16 votes to 9.
The National Council will deal with the food initiative in the winter session at the earliest.
