Agricultural losses from Switzerland’s ongoing severe drought could exceed the record 500 million Swiss francs reported during the 2003 crisis, Swiss Farmers’ Union president Markus Ritter warned. In remarks reported on August 16, Ritter said he had never seen such an unprecedented drought in his working life. A shortage of soil moisture from the beginning of summer has created an exceptional situation across the country, while prolonged dry weather is placing heavy pressure on farmers.

Potatoes and sugar beet have suffered the greatest impact, while maize production is also expected to decline significantly. Wheat and barley have been comparatively less affected because much of those crops matured and was harvested before the drought intensified. Livestock farmers are facing feed shortages, with many already using fodder reserved for winter to get through summer. Straw prices have risen by as much as 50 percent, adding financial pressure on livestock and dairy farms as pastures deteriorate.

Ritter opposed declaring an emergency, urging farmers not to panic and saying the union remains in close contact with federal authorities. Swiss authorities are flying water to several Alpine pastures and have removed import duties to reduce the cost of imported animal feed. Ritter said discussions with retailers on sharing costs would take place, but acknowledged farmers may ultimately bear much of the loss.