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Lessons learned and policy implications from 20 years of Swiss agricultural policy reforms: A review of policy evaluations

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  • Huber, Robert
  • El Benni, Nadja
  • Finger, Robert

Abstract

Learning from the experiences of other countries can support efforts to improve agricultural policies. Switzerland provides an interesting case because its policy is exceptionally targeted towards the establishment of sustainable production systems. We describe the history and the current state of Swiss agricultural policy, review evaluations of policy reforms, summarise their impact and outline the lessons learned for policy developments in other countries. We discuss four implications: i) some goals have been met, albeit at a high cost, and so, increasing efficiency of policies is key; ii) there is a need for more coherence and coordination regarding the different policy programmes (i.e. in the sense of a ‘food system policy’); iii) cross-compliance measures (i.e. minimum standards for receiving support) have an important leverage effect; and iv) policy differentiation (e.g. by spatial targeting) and increasing farmers’ discretion over how to achieve goals (e.g. by implementing results-based payments) are key for future policies.

Suggested Citation

  • Huber, Robert & El Benni, Nadja & Finger, Robert, 2024. "Lessons learned and policy implications from 20 years of Swiss agricultural policy reforms: A review of policy evaluations," Bio-based and Applied Economics Journal, Italian Association of Agricultural and Applied Economics (AIEAA), vol. 13(2), July.
  • Handle: RePEc:ags:aieabj:347579
    DOI: 10.22004/ag.econ.347579
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    Cited by:

    1. Yanbing Wang & Simon Hug & Judith Irek & Robert Finger, 2025. "Product differentiation, quality, and milk price stability: The case of the Swiss cheese market," Applied Economic Perspectives and Policy, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 47(1), pages 416-435, March.
    2. Schaub, By Sergei & El Benni, Nadja & Jan, Pierrick & Huguenin-Elie, Olivier & Richter, Franziska & Klaus, Valentin H., 2025. "Optimizing land-use strategies to improve grassland multifunctionality," Land Use Policy, Elsevier, vol. 153(C).
    3. Nadja El Benni & Robert Finger & Judith Irek & Gabriele Mack & Jeanine Ammann, 2025. "No evidence of a rural‐urban divide in prioritizing agricultural policy goals," Applied Economic Perspectives and Policy, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 47(2), pages 666-693, May.

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    Keywords

    Agricultural and Food Policy;

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