Swiss voters are deciding on two separate proposals aimed to protect Swiss farmers more and ensure that food from both domestic and foreign farmers and producers is healthier, more environmentally sound and animal-friendly.
Costs concerns and government opposition have dented public support for the proposals.
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The “Fair-Food Initiative” would require the Swiss government to promote environmentally sound, animal-friendly and fairly produced food, and could involve requiring Swiss inspectors to travel abroad to conduct compliance checks.
Proponents of a separate food sovereignty initiative lament a drop in the number of Swiss farms in recent decades and want to underpin farmers’ salaries and ensure imported produce meets Swiss standards.
Sunday’s ballot is part of Switzerland’s direct democracy that gives voters a say on matters of high public interest.
