Updating the self-sufficiency ratio

(Image: ETH-Bibliothek) - The level of self-sufficiency indicates the extent to which agricultural performance ensures food security. But it's not geared to the challenges that confront agriculture today, says Roman Hüppi. The two initiatives calling for a ruling on synthetic pesticides have been rejected at the ballot box. This hasn't resolved the environmental problems, and the agricultural reform suspended in spring isn't off the table either: the Federal Council is set on making agriculture more ecological. The debate on a more environmentally friendly agricultural policy continues; let's make sure the quality improves. A key topic in earlier discussions was the level of self-sufficiency - a measure of the extent to which Switzerland can meet its food needs from its own domestic production. A feared decline in the level of self-sufficiency is the argument most often marshaled against more sustainable farming practices.