Farmers in Bern staged a protest today outside the Mondelez International building, demanding an immediate halt to butter imports. This demonstration comes as Swiss butter reserves are significantly high, prompting concerns among local dairy producers about market fairness and their livelihoods.
Approximately 40 farmers, accompanied by 12 tractors, gathered in Bern-Brünnen. They expressed their frustration over Mondelez's plan to import nearly 1,000 tons of butter from the EU for chocolate production, despite ample domestic supply.
Key Takeaways
- Farmers protested Mondelez's plan to import 924 tons of EU butter.
- Swiss butter reserves currently stand at 4,888 tons.
- Protesters demand a profitable milk price and stronger border protection.
- Mondelez cited competitive reasons for not disclosing import details.
- Future protests are planned, including one on Bundesplatz.
Dairy Industry Faces Import Challenge
The core of the farmers' dissatisfaction lies with the planned import of 924 tons of butter. This butter, intended for chocolate manufacturing by Mondelez, would enter Switzerland from the European Union. This move directly conflicts with the current state of the Swiss dairy market.
As of late last year, national butter reserves totaled 4,888 tons. This figure highlights a significant surplus within Switzerland's own production. Farmers argue that importing butter under these conditions undermines the domestic industry.
Fast Fact
Switzerland's national butter reserves were at 4,888 tons at the end of last year, indicating a substantial domestic supply.
Symbolic Act of Protest
During the protest, Heinz Siegenthaler, president of the Farmers' Centre, performed a symbolic act. He poured a diluted liter of milk from a can into a drain in front of the Mondelez building. This gesture aimed to visually represent the overflow of milk in Switzerland.
The farmers' message was clear. They want an end to butter and milk powder imports as long as domestic milk production remains high. They believe the current system of 'processing traffic' allows imports without sufficient scrutiny.
"Our statement is clear: Stop and halt! We want no more butter and milk powder imports as long as we have so much milk ourselves."
— Heinz Siegenthaler, President of the Farmers' Centre
Calls for Stronger Border Protection
The farmers' protest letter, handed to a Mondelez representative, outlined several demands. These include a profitable milk price for producers and a "massively improved" border protection system. They also emphasized the preference for domestic production over imports.
The letter will also be sent to the Federal Office for Agriculture. This action signifies the farmers' intent to push for policy changes at a national level. They seek long-term solutions to protect the Swiss dairy sector.
Understanding 'Processing Traffic'
Processing traffic refers to a system where raw materials, like butter, are imported for further processing into finished goods, such as chocolate, and then often re-exported. Farmers argue this system is too lenient and harms domestic producers.
Mondelez Response and Industry Views
Mondelez International has not disclosed specific details regarding its import plans. The company stated that it does not reveal such information due to competitive reasons. This lack of transparency further fuels the farmers' frustration.
In contrast to the farmers' view, Peter Hegglin, president of the Dairy Industry Organization, recently offered a different perspective. He stated that processing traffic has significantly decreased in recent years. Hegglin also mentioned that the industry has gained market share.
Limited Support from Retailers
Farmers have largely found themselves without widespread support from major retailers. While Migros recently committed to selling only Swiss milk, other large processors and distributors have remained silent on the issue.
The proximity of a Coop distribution center next to the Toblerone factory in Bern-Brünnen was noted by Siegenthaler. He suggested that Coop might have been concerned about the 12 tractors blocking access. This highlights the perceived lack of solidarity from large retail chains.
- Migros committed to selling only Swiss milk.
- Other major retailers have not publicly commented.
- Farmers hope for broader industry support.
Future Protests Planned
The farmers are not stopping with today's demonstration. They are already planning their next protest for early March. This upcoming event will take place on Bundesplatz, the federal square in Bern.
The March protest will be led by a farmer activist who calls himself "Wilhelm Tell." This suggests a growing, organized movement among the agricultural community. Farmers are determined to bring their concerns to the highest levels of government.
Another potential action targeting Coop is also under consideration. The farmers' unified message is clear: they demand fair conditions and protection for Swiss agricultural products against foreign imports, especially when domestic supplies are abundant.