Energy and climate protection in agriculture
Swiss farming families are using renewable energies such as biogas and solar and wind power to drive the energy transition. Today, they already produce 75 percent of their own electricity, reducing waste and emissions in the process. At the same time, climate change and extreme weather events present new challenges. With innovative methods and climate protection measures, Swiss farmers are making an important contribution to ensuring a sustainable future.
Swiss farming families as energy producers
Swiss agriculture offers great potential for renewable energies, meaning it can contribute to ensuring a healthy environment and the energy transition. Farmers use manure, slurry or crop residues to generate electricity and heat. This also reduces the disposal of organic waste and improves the quality of farmyard manure. Solar panels on the roofs of stables, barns or residential buildings convert solar energy into electricity. Small wind turbines offer another energy option for farmers.
The production of electricity from renewable sources in agriculture has risen sharply over recent years. The agricultural sector currently produces 976 GWh and thus 75 percent of its own electricity needs. In future, it is even conceivable that it will produce more electricity than it needs itself. The AgroCleanTech association estimates the potential for energy from Swiss agriculture by 2030 at 2,100 GWh per year for electricity and 1,300 GWh per year for heat.
Dependence on the climate
Swiss farming families are particularly affected by climate change. They farm both in and with nature and are exposed to the weather. Dry summers increase the need for irrigation and negatively impact the supply of roughage for livestock. Mild winters allow more pests and pathogens to survive. Additionally, extreme weather events such as hail and storms are becoming more frequent. These negative impacts outweigh the positive effects for agriculture, such as longer growing seasons or the cultivation of new crops.
Agriculture is responsible for approximately 13 percent of climate-relevant gas emissions in Switzerland. However, it has succeeded in reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by 11 percent since 1990. Furthermore, Swiss farmers are also involved in numerous climate protection measures. Renewable energies, new cultivation systems and feed additives for cows are examples of this.
This might also interest you
Environment
Sustainable food production is important to Swiss farmers.
Natural resources
Swiss farming families take care of their soil. Because it is an important asset for the production of food.
