BERN - Campaigners for the food security initiative, which would push for more domestic production and cleaner water rules, began a proper August circuit. They share 27 September with neutrality and will struggle for air. Some farming organisations see a useful signal. Others fear higher feed and land costs without more bread on tables.
Retail groups argue that Switzerland already grows a large share of its milk, meat and potatoes, and that the gaps are in products the climate will not support at scale. The Federal Council has recommended rejection.
Trade in the next room
Mercosur will return in September's Senate, in our later report. A food-security campaign that sounds like a closed market will be heard next to that file whether it wants to be or not.