Agricultural direct payments

26 April 2011. Agricultural policy is a permanent issue in Switzerland – it has been so for a long time and is now so more than ever. And various quarters are demanding (in highly contradictory ways) that it should be fundamentally overhauled. What, then, will this new agricultural policy look like?

Autonomy, safeguard of welfare

Above and beyond issues of agricultural economics, the focus will also be on issues concerning the economy as a whole (particularly with regard to foreign trade), and also on regional and environmental policy, on consumer issues and ultimately on fundamental values of national and social policy such as identity, autonomy, solidarity and the safeguard of welfare.

The role of direct payments

The public lectures on four Monday evenings will throw light on the reorientation of agricultural direct payments in Switzerland in detail. The guest speakers will deal with aspects and positions of agricultural and social stakeholders. They will not only concentrate on national issues but also look beyond the borders. The speakers will include Hansjörg Walter, National Councillor and President of the Swiss Farmers’ Union (SBV).

All four lecture evenings will take place from 8.15-9.45 p.m. in Room 09-114 in the HSG’s Library Building.

Photo: Photocase/behrchen