| (in German) Vereinigung der Schweizer Biolandbau-Organisationen (in French) Association suisse des organisations d’agriculture biologique (in Italian) Associazione svizzera delle organizzazioni per l’agricoltura biologica (in Romansh) Uniun svizra da las organisaziuns d’agricultura biologica | |
| Formation | 1981 |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | Basel |
| Subsidiaries | 33 associations of organic farmers and the Research Institute of Organic Agriculture[1] |
| Affiliations | International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements |
| Website | www.bio-suisse.ch |
Bio Suisse is the main organisation of organic agriculture in Switzerland. This umbrella organization counts 33 organic farmers' associations among its members, as well as the Research Institute of Organic Agriculture FiBL. It notably manages the guidelines of the organic label "Bio Suisse".
It was founded in 1981 and, as federation of the Swiss organic farmers, represents the interest of about 7,560 agricultural businesses (regularly inspected by independent bodies).Organic market share continues to grow (in german) It also certifies around 1300 processing companies.
The organic label "Bio Suisse" is widely distributed in Switzerland, for instance through organic food shops, farmers markets and the largest supermarkets chains: Coop Naturaplan and Migros Bio.
As of 2022, 17,4 percent of Swiss farms are organic and the organic market in Switzerland share to almost 11 percent. [2]
Imports will be permitted only if domestic production is not possible (e.g. coffee), not sufficient (e.g. cereals) from Swiss Bud farmers or has already been sold. The products are processed mainly in Switzerland.
Fresh products from overseas are only permitted in exceptional cases (e.g. mangoes or bananas). Vegetables are sourced in Europe and/or from Mediterranean countries, even in winter. Imports by air are prohibited. Nearby foreign countries are preferred for imports.
In 2021, over 2’500 farms/producer groups abroad were certified to Bio Suisse regulations. Most of them are located in Europe. Cereals and animal feed are the products most commonly imported in terms of volume.[3]
In 2023, Bio Suisse introduced the "Bio Cuisine" label. Bio Cuisine stands for more sustainability in gastronomy. "Bio Cuisine" identifies restaurants and businesses with a relevant proportion of Bud products.