Swiss Farmers Launch ‘Bioetico’ – A Rebellion Against the Commercialization of Organic
Bern, Switzerland – A seismic shift is underway in Swiss agriculture. Disillusioned organic farmers are breaking away from established labels, launching a new association called Bioetico, and questioning whether the “organic” seal has become merely a marketing tool for industrialized agriculture. This breaking development comes after the surprising rejection of a 2021 popular initiative aimed at protecting clean drinking water and promoting pesticide-free farming.
The Rejection That Sparked a Movement
In 2021, Bio Suisse, Switzerland’s largest organic label, backed an initiative that would have banned synthetic pesticides and tied agricultural subsidies to ecological performance – essentially rewarding farmers for protecting biodiversity and water quality. Despite this support, the initiative failed spectacularly, with over 60% of voters rejecting it. For many organic farmers, this outcome was a wake-up call. “How can you be against measures in favor of clean drinking water?” asks Markus Lanfranchi, a leading voice within the Bioetico movement. “It felt like the very principles of organic farming were being compromised.”
From Outrage to Action: The Birth of Bioetico
The frustration led to the formation of the “Further development organic” working group, which quickly evolved into the Bioetico Association. Unlike traditional certification bodies, Bioetico operates with minimal structure and a focus on self-declaration and personal responsibility. Their core principle, as stated by the association, is to “leave the country entrusted to us better than we found it, because future generations of organisms of all kinds are exposed to the consequences of our work.”
Bioetico isn’t seeking to create *another* label, but rather a “contagious self-image” – a commitment to ethical practices that goes beyond mere compliance. They emphasize direct relationships between farmers and consumers, built on trust and transparency. “Our customers trust us producers because they know us,” Lanfranchi explains. “Marketing is secondary to a genuine commitment to ecological integrity.”
Beyond Organic: Regenerative Practices and a New Vision for Agriculture
The movement champions a holistic approach to farming, encompassing regenerative cultivation methods, humus building, “feednofood” (concentrated feed supplements), energy sufficiency, waste prevention, and social ethics. They’re actively exploring concepts like the rights of nature, drawing inspiration from initiatives in New Zealand (Whanganui River, Mount Taranaki) and South America (Pachamama), where natural entities have been granted legal personhood.
This isn’t simply about avoiding pesticides; it’s about fundamentally rethinking our relationship with the land. Bioetico farmers are asking critical questions: Do we *need* that tractor? Is more always better? Can we forge a deeper connection with the elements – soil, water, air, and the living organisms within them? The goal is to move beyond yield-oriented thinking towards a sense of belonging to the earth.
Challenging the “Money-and-Grip Alliance”
Bioetico is also taking aim at the political and economic forces that they believe are undermining sustainable agriculture. They accuse the Swiss farmers’ association of being part of a “money-and-grip alliance” with politics and business, perpetuating a system reliant on subsidies, debt, and exploitation. Recognizing the difficulty of achieving political change, they are focusing on building a grassroots movement of farms committed to ethical and regenerative practices.
A Thanksgiving to Earth, Air, and Water
Bioetico is hosting a Thanksgiving festival in mid-October, a celebration of the earth’s bounty and a gathering for farmers to share knowledge and explore alternatives to debt-ridden agriculture. The event aims to foster a sense of community and empower individuals to take action.
The emergence of Bioetico represents a powerful challenge to the status quo in organic farming. It’s a call for authenticity, transparency, and a deeper commitment to ecological principles. As the movement gains momentum, it could reshape the landscape of Swiss agriculture and inspire similar initiatives around the world, reminding us that true sustainability requires more than just a label – it demands a fundamental shift in values and a renewed respect for the natural world. For those interested in learning more or joining the movement, visit the Bioetico website and consider becoming an accomplice in building a more ethical and sustainable future for food.
