The Swiss Federal Statistical Office recently published the data on the Swiss organic sector. The total number of Swiss farms (including conventional farms) continued to decrease in 2018, falling to 50,852 units (–1.5%). A decline continued at a similar rate as the previous year (–1.2%). In 2018, the average farm surface in Switzerland was 20.5 hectares, which is twice the average observed in 1980 (10.3 ha). The number of holdings of more than 30 hectares increased (+ 1.6%), while cessations of activity and groupings reduced the number of smaller holdings (–2.3%). Compared to 1980, when farms with over 30 hectares represented 14% of the total utilised agricultural area (UAA), in 2018 this figure was 47% (496,100 ha). In this context, the growth rate of organic farming observed in recent years was confirmed for 2018: the producers’ number reached 7.032, with an increase of 4.9% compared to the previous year, while the organic area continued to grow, reaching 161,000 hectares, corresponding to more than 15% of total UAA. The expansion of organic crops is observed for all cantons and all types of crops. Organic production grew particularly in horticulture, of which it represents 19% in terms of surface area, and progressed in viticulture (8% of vineyards). More than half (60%) of the land used for medicinal and aromatic plants is cultivated under the "bio" brand.
Source: Swiss Federal Statistical Office
