Switzerland plans to pay farmers for results rather than prescribed actions; consultation closes 8 December

Switzerland's Federal Council opened a consultation on its agricultural policy from 2030 (AP30+) on 2 September 2026. It runs until 8 December 2026. The stated aim is to raise food security. Direct payments for ecology and animal welfare, now tied mainly to following prescribed steps, would increasingly reward concrete results. A new legal basis for data exchange would support digitalisation and cut paperwork. Market monitoring and farmers' self-help would expand, with extra support for milk and for crops grown for direct human consumption. Target agreements with retailers and consumer campaigns would promote a balanced diet with Swiss quality products. The proposed payment framework for 2030 to 2033 is CHF 13.808bn. The government says this is CHF 123m less than planned spending for 2026 to 2029 but CHF 80m more than a nominal extension of the 2030 financial plan.

Paying for outcomes rather than inputs is a direction many agri-environment schemes are exploring. The open questions are how results will be measured and verified, and whether a tighter budget makes the shift look like a cut. The Swiss Farmers' Association, as reported by SDA, measures the framework against the current 2026 to 2029 frame and puts the reduction at CHF 380m. It wants the cuts dropped.