Feeding strategies in Swiss organic farming to improve food quality and animal health

At the moment, Switzerland has about 6,500 organic farmers, with 11 % of the agriculture area managed organically. The main regulations in organic farming are The Schweizer Bio-Verordnung (Swiss Government Regulation for Organic farming). These regulations are increasingly adapted to the EU-Regulation for organic farming. The BIO SUISSE regulation has further requirements. Nearly all organic farmers are BIO SUISSE farmers. The symbol of BIO SUISSE is a bud

Replacement of PBNA in HB and HC polymers used in SRM propellant and liner

The antioxidant phenyl-beta-naphthylamine (PBNA) was used in both HB and HC polymers. The sole (domestic) supplier of PBNA has withdrawn this product from the market, primarily because of suspected health hazards. Commercially available substitute(s) were selected and qualified for use in the two polymers

Organic certification labels from the perspective of consumers in Switzerland

Organic labels have been established to communicate the consumer that a certain product has been produced according to defined organic standards. The aim of the research presented in this paper was to investigate i) how Swiss organic consumers perceived different organic labels and ii) if Swiss organic consumers prefer particular organic certification schemes over others. To achieve these objectives, we carried out focus group discussions with organic consumers, and conducted consumer choice experiments that were combined with a subsequent structured questionnaire. We focused on two labels that are well established in the Swiss market – one mostly in specialised organic shops (Demeter label), the other one also found widely in a larger retail shop (Bio Suisse label «Knospe »). Our analysis shows the high level of awareness of the Bio Suisse label among Swiss consumers. Furthermore, the study provides evidence for the importance of trust in labels in the Swiss organic market

Bio Suisse Bans Hybrid Cereals

On April 19th, 2006, the 100 delegates of Bio Suisse, the Swiss organic umbrella organization, voted to ban Hybrid varieties in organic cereals (except maize). This decision primarily concerns rye. Organic rye is grown on only 250 ha, about 20% of which is sown to hybrid varieties at present. About 60% of total organic demand is imported. Hybrid varieties of the other cereals are not yet being grown. The delegates decided that it is time to act now to send a signal to breeders and to the international organic community before the alternatives to hybrids vanish

Focus groups of value concepts of producers: National Report Switzerland

The Organic Revision project was funded by the EU with the aim of supporting the further development of the EU Regulation 2092/91 on organic production. As part of the project focus groups were run in five European countries on value concepts of organic producers and other stakeholders, during 2004-2005. The project aims to provide an overview of values held among organic stakeholders, and of similarities and differences among the various national and private organic standards. In Switzerland, three group sessions were held with established organic farmers, two groups with newly converted organic farmers, one group involved experts from BIO SUISSE and one group was conducted with students from Agronomy, Environmental Sciences and Geography faculties of Zurich. The following conclusions were reached: Almost all participants were engaged in organic agriculture based on a certain believe or because they just like organic farming. Not only farmers had strong concerns with regard to the current development. The discussion about the basic values and the over-arching principles of organic agriculture were seen as very positive and a move in the right direction. The health of the ecosystem were in the discussions several times a fundamental value. Fair trading conditions were seen for many participants as a core issue. The producers did see the maintenance of their family farm and the farm succession as major issue. Many farmers were against an industrialisation of agriculture and against a too strong commercialisation of their products. Several farmers and several groups mentioned the problem of the lack of solidarity between farmers. Solidarity should get more importance in the future. Several farmers wished that there will be better cooperation between farmers and market actors as well as a better common strategy with a clear concept. Another issue was a truthful and careful processing, which is also for farmers very relevant. The farmers as well as the experts found that the added value of the production, the ideologic content of the products, and as well as the special intrinsic quality of the products are very important. Furthermore farmers and experts were in favour of “100 % entirely supply and market chains with only organic product, where not only the producers but also the trader and sales staff is convinced of organic agriculture. Many producers found that the communication with costumers, in particular public relation, will be important to survive on a competitive market and must be improved. A secure livelihood, surviving on he market and the strong workload were for many producers a major issues. Another central discussion point was the overregulation and inspection. Not only the producers but all main actors wished that the standard/rules are more comprehensive and the inspection work less bureaucratic. This issue is highly relevant not only for organic farmers. Experts saw a potential for an adaptation of the standards. In particular the health of the Ecosystem and the regionality are seen as key topics

Médecines complémentaires dans le canton de Vaud : recours et offres actuels, principaux enjeux sanitaires et possibilités de réglementation.

Selon les données de l'Enquête suisse sur la santé (ESS), le canton de Vaud comprend une des plus grandes proportions d'utilisateurs de médecines complémentaires « au cours des 12 derniers mois » en Suisse (30% en 2012). L'homéopathie, la phytothérapie et l'acupuncture sont les thérapies les plus prisées. L'auto-recours dans le domaine des médecines complémentaires est difficile à estimer. Sur la base des quelques études disponibles en Suisse, ce phénomène paraît néanmoins fréquent. Selon une enquête téléphonique conduite auprès d'un échantillon représentatif d'adultes en Suisse, seuls 34% des répondant/es consultant des thérapeutes non-médecins affirment en informer toujours leurs médecins traitants

Internal Migration and Regional Population Dynamics in Europe: Switzerland Case Study

This paper reports on internal migration and regional population dynamics in Switzerland. It examines briefly the main population trends in the last century and then turns to more detailed examination of internal migration patterns and trends in three years, 1984, 1994 and 1996 and compares them. First, inter-cantonal migration is investigated in the context of the life course. On the communal level population change patterns and underlying in-, out- and net migration are examined. An attempt is made to link migration with such variables as population density, level of unemployment, prevailing language and with a functional classification of the urban system. The methodology used is the same as in a number of other studies, making the results as comparable as possible with the results of other studies of migration in European states (Rees and Kupiszewski 1999)

Savings: A Gateway to Financial Inclusion

This document presents recent savings work and includes a three-year project with four of our network members. At the outset of the project titled Safe Places to Save, Women's World Banking conducted targeted research and diagnostics in four markets (Colombia, Pakistan, Kenya, and the Dominican Republic) but our analysis of the impact of savings on women's lives dates back to 1999 when Women's World Banking began building a significant body of market research on savings. Four of our early studies focused explicitly on the demand and feasibility for savings services. Data were also drawn from research into the drivers of customer satisfaction and loyalty carried out in multiple markets. In addition, Women's World Banking has conducted in-depth research studies to better understand the ways in which women's roles within poor households affect the allocation of time and money and financial behaviors. Unique in the field of microfinance, these five studies yielded striking insights into the ways men and women see themselves, and each other, as economic actors, and what those perceptions mean for financial institutions seeking to provide savings