Pesticides in Water: The sources are more varied and closer than we think
A new national study reveals that pesticide contamination in Swiss rivers and streams has more complex causes than previously assumed. While substances still originate from agriculture, a considerable share enters waterways through other pathways.
No Pig Business: Why Testicle-Free Boars Are a Clear Win for Animal Welfare
New breeding methods are opening up new possibilities in both plant and animal breeding. They allow targeted genetic changes that can make animals more resilient, adaptable, and healthier.
Why cutting out synthetic pesticides will reduce food production
The UK’s action plan to reduce pesticide use could backfire, warns agronomist Greg Dawson: overly strict regulations may make domestic farming unprofitable – and increase the United Kingdom’s dependence on imports.
Myths & Facts
swiss-food stands for fact-based information. Important facts are explained here in an understandable way.
To the myths and factsFrom the media
Protein yes – vegan? Probably not.
After years of hype surrounding meat alternatives, enthusiasm for vegan diets seems to be waning. More and more restaurants are returning to meat. Consumers are also placing greater emphasis on pragmatism rather than sacrifice.
Triazole in Lake Geneva: Authorities give the all-clear
In late summer 2025, the news caused a stir: the substance 1,2,4-triazole – a chemical compound used in a wide variety of applications – was found in drinking water from Lake Geneva. Now the cantons of Geneva, Vaud and Valais have given the all-clear: the water is safe to drink.
'There is also a life before death' – Wine Pope Philipp Schwander on the Zeitgeist and the Activism of Health Authorities
The Swiss Master of Wine criticizes in an interview that wine is increasingly being demonized – contrary to scientific evidence and without any discussion about dosage and risk.
Sushi from Swiss Rice – Possible for a Few Years Now
Where once lamb’s lettuce and potatoes grew, a crop more commonly associated with Asia is now thriving: rice. What might sound like an exotic experiment has in some parts of Switzerland developed into a promising niche with a future.
Knowledge
Residues, thresholds, trust – looking calmly behind the headlines
In this conversation with toxicologist Lothar Aicher, the discussion focuses on how residues enter the body, how their potential harm is assessed, and what role modern analytical methods play.
Hazard is not the same as risk: how we understand – and should understand – threshold values
In this episode of the podcast, risk researcher Angela Bearth discusses residues and threshold values in food – a topic often debated emotionally. In public discussions, threshold values tend to dominate, while the complex challenges of agriculture are rarely considered. Studies show, however, that once these relationships are explained and solutions are addressed, people respond in a more differentiated way.
PFAS, trade-offs and responsibility – how politics and agriculture find solutions
In this episode of the joint series by Agrarpolitik – der Podcast and swiss-food.ch, National Councillor Christine Badertscher discusses how residues and threshold values are debated in Parliament.
Thresholds, approvals, responsibility – how plant protection products are really assessed
Threshold values are often at the centre of public debate – yet in reality they are only a small part of a much broader risk assessment system. Dr Michael Beer, Head of the Food and Nutrition Division at the Federal Food Safety Office, provides clarity.
Green biotech: safety concerns no longer hold water
At the end of October, swiss-food.ch hosted a film screening and panel discussion in Zurich on the subject of genome editing entitled “Between Protest and Potential”. The well-attended event dealt with the emotional debates in recent decades surrounding genetic engineering. The event showed that the situation has changed fundamentally.
Audio & Video
swiss-food has a large selection of exciting videos and podcasts on the topics of food, agriculture and research.
To the podcasts and videosPolitics
Faster Approval of Crop Protection Products Long Overdue
Switzerland bans active ingredients that are withdrawn from the market in the EU. Modern products that are approved in neighboring countries, however, remain blocked. That could finally change. The Economic Affairs Committee of the National Council has adopted a proposal to this effect.
Differing perceptions
While the increasing administrative burden is perceived as the main concern in the economy, parts of the population see it differently. Meanwhile, regulations are repeatedly misused as a means of exerting power in the competitive struggle – to the detriment of SMEs.
Domestic production as a blind spot
Switzerland's food security is increasingly under pressure: last year's disastrous wheat and potato harvests have led to an increasing dependence on imports. However, the report by the Federal Office for National Economic Supply (FONES) is largely silent on the precarious state of the domestic agricultural sector. The IG BauernUnternehmen (Farmers' Company) has therefore sharply criticised the federal government.
PFAS regulation in Switzerland: Not faster, but better
Some people also call PFAS ‘forever chemicals’. Their use must be regulated as wisely as possible. To do this, the federal government first needs to do precise groundwork, according to Stefan Brupbacher, Urs Furrer and Stephan Mumenthaler.
Blindspot
Blindspot articles are marked with a small spotlight and illuminate the «blind spots» in the agricultural policy debate.
To the Blindspot articlesResearch
Lack of diversity becomes an existential problem
The dwindling genetic diversity in fields is becoming an increasing problem. Unfortunately, this problem is growing steadily, partly because politicians in Switzerland and the EU are viewing the issue through ideological lenses instead of listening to science.
Research into fungal diseases in Lyon
Fungal diseases are one of the greatest threats to global food production. They endanger crops, cause billions in damage every year and have always put farmers under pressure. A detailed report by RTS provides insights into Bayer's global research and development centre in Lyon, where new, environmentally compatible fungicides are being researched.
Science sounds the alarm: Federal Council draft slows down innovation
The new genomic breeding methods are regarded worldwide as a source of hope for climate-resilient agriculture – precise, efficient, and safe. While countries such as the US, Japan, and soon the EU are pushing for deregulation, the Federal Council's regulatory proposal remains tentative. Now researchers and industry are sounding the alarm: the proposed rules are so strict that they would effectively block innovation and application.
Approvals are becoming a brake on innovation worldwide – and agriculture is being left behind
New findings from the United States highlight what has long been a reality in Europe and Switzerland as well: the development and approval of new crop protection products has become such a complex, lengthy, and costly process that even innovative, sustainable solutions can hardly reach the market anymore.
Reason Over Ideology: The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Rejects a Blanket Ban on Genetically Modified Organisms – A Victory for Science
Stephanie Lahrtz
Science Editor, NZZ
'Pure hubris'
Patrick Dümmler
Head of Sustainability and Economic Policy at the Swiss Trade Association
We are bringing up the rear in Europe when it comes to plant protection
David Brugger
Head of Plant Production, Swiss Farmers’ Union
Carte Blanche: Excessive Anti-Alcohol Strategy
Philipp Schwander
Master of Wine, wine expert and entrepreneur
«Plant breeding calls for liberal rules»
Jürg Niklaus
Jürg Niklaus has a doctorate in law and is an advocate of plant breeding.
More pesticides, more genetic engineering: How we are overcoming hunger.
Markus Somm
Journalist, publicist, publisher and historian
«What plant breeding brings us»
Achim Walter
Professor of Crop Science, ETH Zurich
Content in German
«The fear of genetically modified plants is unwarranted»
Anke Fossgreen
Head of Knowledge Team Tamedia
Reason Over Ideology: The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Rejects a Blanket Ban on Genetically Modified Organisms – A Victory for Science
Stephanie Lahrtz
Science Editor, NZZ
'Pure hubris'
Patrick Dümmler
Head of Sustainability and Economic Policy at the Swiss Trade Association
We are bringing up the rear in Europe when it comes to plant protection
David Brugger
Head of Plant Production, Swiss Farmers’ Union
Carte Blanche: Excessive Anti-Alcohol Strategy
Philipp Schwander
Master of Wine, wine expert and entrepreneur
«Plant breeding calls for liberal rules»
Jürg Niklaus
Jürg Niklaus has a doctorate in law and is an advocate of plant breeding.
More pesticides, more genetic engineering: How we are overcoming hunger.
Markus Somm
Journalist, publicist, publisher and historian
«What plant breeding brings us»
Achim Walter
Professor of Crop Science, ETH Zurich
Content in German
«The fear of genetically modified plants is unwarranted»
Anke Fossgreen
Head of Knowledge Team Tamedia