One of
the biggest issues in Swiss agriculture will be to face and to deal with the
consequences of climate change. Even though the scenarios vary according to the
different climate models, climate change is now accepted as a fact and the
discussion is now centred on strategies and solutions to adapt.
Until
2030 an average increase of +2°C in temperature is expected. This would not yet
cause big problems for the Swiss agriculture, since we’re in a rather cold
climate zone. The growing season would even be prolonged by a couple of days
and cultures with a greater potential yield could be grown. But there are other
expected changes, too. There will be less precipitation in summer, which would
mostly affect the areas that are already very dry, such as the Wallis. What
could make it problematic for the whole of Switzerland is, if there will be
high fluctuations. And this is what we have witnessed over the last few years.
The
probability of extremely high temperatures and drought in summer is rising. By
differing the date of sowing and choosing other species/breeds for cultivation,
some adjustment can be done. But the risk of crop losses due to heat damage is
increasing. Also other extreme climate events became more frequent. Increased
erosion, the loss of fertile soil and storms are other demanding issues.
Furthermore
the production costs will increase through augmented irrigation, pest and weed
control. And this is another great challenge for Swiss agriculture:
In
Switzerland, insects (pests) and weeds (pest plants) are profiting from the
climate change, mainly when winters become milder. In addition to that,
globalisation entailed the exchange and introduction of organisms. As a
consequence, a growing number of newly introduced pests and diseases are now
also threatening the crop yields in Swiss agriculture.
New
solutions have to be found to combat these pests and diseases, and an even
greater challenge arises, when these organisms develop resistances to the
applied pesticides.
At the
same time, as was mentioned in the introduction, Swiss farmers, as well as all
the farmers of industrial countries, are under the pressure to reduce CO2
emissions caused by the modern production methods and to help
preserve biodiversity.
Swiss
agriculture and climate change:
Swiss
agriculture and ecology:
