Politics · Switzerland · 1 hr ago
Swiss farmers can draw more animal-feed additives from emergency reserves
Swiss farmers can now access more protein-based additives from the country’s emergency reserves for animal feed.
The measure comes as feed supplies remain tight after a poor harvest and continuing dry conditions reduced the amount of rough fodder available.
Transporting protein feed to Switzerland has also been difficult because water levels on the Rhine are low.
The government released part of the reserves in September, and farms used nearly 10% of those stocks.
The reserve is designed to cover two months of needs if no protein additives can be delivered.
Imports of rough fodder such as hay are possible, but they are expensive and challenging.
If the supply problem continues and shortages appear likely, companies can apply to draw on the reserves.
Swiss farms can draw on additional emergency reserves of protein-based animal-feed additives from 12 October.
The move comes as feed supplies remain difficult, with dry conditions reducing forage and low water levels on the Rhine disrupting transport.
The reserves contain additives used for poultry, pigs and cattle and are intended to cover two months if no supplies are available.
Farmers’ association president Markus Ritter said the feed harvest was poor across almost all of Switzerland.
The government had already lifted import duties on some feed and released part of the reserves in September.
- Who
- Swiss farms can request additional animal-feed additives from emergency reserves.
- What
- More protein-based feed additives are available from the mandatory stockpile.
- When
- From 12 October 2026.
- Where
- Switzerland.
- Why
- Feed supplies are strained by drought-reduced forage and transport difficulties on the Rhine.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The feed harvest was miserable, practically throughout Switzerland. We were able to bring in far too little feed.
The supply of protein carriers for feed in Switzerland remains strained.
The government lifted import duties on some feed, including hay and feed maize.
The government released part of the emergency reserves, and farms drew nearly 10% of those stocks.
Farms became able to access additional stocks of protein-based feed additives.
- Reserve coverage
- Two months if no protein-based feed additives are available
- September draw
- Nearly 10% of the reserves
- Animal groups
- Poultry, pigs and cattle
- Transport difficulty
- Low water levels on the Rhine
- Additional access
- From 12 October 2026
Sources
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