Fribourg approves 10 million francs in drought aid for Swiss farmers

The Swiss canton of Fribourg has approved 10 million francs in emergency non-repayable aid for farmers suffering significant losses due to drought. Fribourg is the first canton in Switzerland to offer this specific type of direct financial assistance to combat the effects of prolonged lack of rainfall.

The drought has caused a decline in yields for several crops, particularly potatoes and sugar beets, while also reducing available livestock feed. According to the association swisspatat, the 2026 potato harvest in Switzerland is expected to be the lowest ever recorded, with projected losses between 10 and 15 percent.

Authorities in Fribourg stated that the financial support is necessary to maintain local production and prevent an increase in imports. Other cantons are implementing various measures: Bern and Lucerne are prepaying portions of direct payments, while Solothurn and Bern are offering interest-free loans to farmers in difficulty. In Vaud, officials are considering a 30 million franc aid package specifically for livestock farmers affected by the drought.