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TAKINOA – Food for Joy.
In the first part of this article, we examined various farming methods in Switzerland, the main principles of organic agriculture, and discussed toxicological risks such as pesticide and chemical residue. We also compared the nutritional differences between organic and conventional produce. As for taste, we found it is influenced more by factors like product origin and ripeness at harvest than by the farming method itself.
We’ve seen that organic farming is no longer as niche as it once was. With increased popularity, organic products have become a large business, which brings a new set of challenges and considerations.Importantly, it's essential not to view organic foods as a homogeneous group; rather, they represent a wide range of products with different characteristics depending on origin and label. For instance, Bio-Suisse, EU Organic, or Chilean Organic are not identical.Consumers may face choices like whether to buy organic green beans from South Africa or non-organic ones from the local region. Should we priorities an organic product flown in from halfway around the world, or a non-organic one grown just a few kilometers away? Our exploration has shown that Swiss-grown produce (even if not organic) is often of high quality, due to Swiss agricultural policies that avoid intensive farming and favour integrated and organic production methods.
Labels like Bio Suisse, Naturaplan, IP Suisse, Demeter, Bio Migros, MSC, Max Havelaar, Bio Nature Plus, and AB are visible on many products in Switzerland, showing just how many standards exist for different aspects of quality. In fact, over 65 labels compete inSwitzerland alone, each with its own criteria, which can make things confusing for consumers.In Switzerland, organic labels must, at minimum, meet the country’s organic agricultural standards. However, some go beyond these minimum requirements, like Bio Suisse, Naturaplan (Coop), Demeter, and Bio Nature Plus(Manor). On the other hand, international labels like MSC, AB, or Max Havelaar may not meet Swiss-specific requirements and sometimes lack transparency about sourcing and production methods.
Here is a guide to some of the most common organic labels in Switzerland:
BioSuisse: Represented by the “Bourgeon” label, Bio Suisse is Switzerland’s main organic certification, setting rigorous standards for animal welfare, biodiversity preservation, and product quality. Bio Suisse prohibits synthetic pesticides and limits additives, ensuring a purer product.
Naturaplan (Coop): Coop Naturaplan aligns withBio Suisse standards for plant-based products, ensuring sustainable agriculture and environmental protection. Although Naturaplan closely follows these high standards for plant-based foods, the animal-based product requirements differ slightly.
Demeter: This label, rooted in biodynamic principles, goes beyond standard organic practices by incorporating ecological and sustainable farming methods. Demeter producers follow strict standards for production and processing without enzymes, preservatives, or artificial flavours. The label also emphasises closed-loop management to minimise environmental impact.
MSC(Marine Stewardship Council): While not strictly organic, this label certifies that seafood products come from sustainable fisheries and responsible fishing practices. However, MSC products do not follow Swiss organic production standards and focus instead on sustainable resource management.
Max Havelaar/Fairtrade: This label ensures products are sourced through fairtrade, promoting better working conditions and fair wages for producers in developing countries. While socially beneficial, Max Havelaar focuses less on environmental standards compared to Swiss organic labels.These descriptions should help clarify the differences among labels, allowing you to make informed choices when shopping.
The main barrier to buying organic is often the cost, with organic products averaging 20-30% higher than conventionally grown ones. However, it’s important to remember that market forces, not labels or producers, largely set these prices.Two main factors account for organic food’s higher prices: lower yields and more labour-intensive production methods. Organic crops yield about 20% less due to the absence of synthetic fertilisers and pesticides. In terms of animal farming, organic livestock receives higher-quality, species-appropriate feed, extending the fattening period and resulting in less meat, milk, or eggs per surface area compared to conventional production. Additionally, Swiss labour costs are high, increasing prices even further.When you see poultry at CHF 10 per kilo, consider that someone in the chain—likely the farmer or even you, in terms of quality—has compromised. While inexpensive food products may be convenient, they often come from countries where farming practices fall short of Swiss standards, raising concerns for both animal welfare and human health.
One way to manage organic costs is to avoid intermediaries such as distributors and supermarkets, which each take a share of the profit. By buying directly from farmers or markets, you can reduce your food budget without sacrificing quality.
The nutritionist’s perspective
Making rational decisions about organic purchases often involves a cost-benefit analysis. For the following list of pros and cons, we’ll focus onSwiss organic products, as international goods don’t always allow complete traceability and transparency.
Regulated Standards: Swiss organic products must meet the requirements of the country’s organic ordinance. Buying Bio Suisse guarantees strict adherence to these standards.
Comprehensive Certification: Swiss farms must be fully organic to receive certification—no partial compliance allowed.
Reduced Chemical Residue: Bio Suisse products typically contain fewer pesticides and chemical additives than conventional products.
Animal Welfare: Swiss organic farms provide free-range access and quality feed for animals, adhering to the highest animal welfare standards.
Environmental Protection: Bio Suisse actively supports biodiversity, ground water protection, and soil fertility, maintaining eco-friendly farming practices.
Social Impact: Supporting Swiss organic farms contributes to fair wages and decent living conditions for farmers.
Independencefrom Multinationals: By forgoing synthetic fertilisers and pesticides,Swiss organic farmers maintain independence from agricultural multinationals.
Challengesof swiss organic
Higher Prices: Swiss organic products are 20-30% more expensive, though buying direct can help manage costs.
Limited Selection: Some organic products may not be available at larger supermarkets but can often be found at local markets or farm shops.
Shorter Shelf Life: Limited use of preservatives means organic products may have a shorter shelf life.
As a practical tip, chemical residues are often concentrated in fruit or vegetable skins. If you consume the skin, consider buying organic. In short, focus on purchasing organic for foods you eat whole.
Scientific evidence shows that consuming organic products reduces toxicological risks (pesticides and chemical residues) and can offer slight nutritional advantages (more vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants). Beyond organic, however, local and seasonal produce should also be a priority. Switzerland’s small size and strict agricultural policies mean that “Swiss-grown” remains a valuable, unofficial quality mark. Choosing local does not mean rejecting all imported foods. Instead, it’s about choosing local options when possible, avoiding foods that travel long distances unnecessarily, and respecting the seasons for greater flavour and freshness. In short, eating organic doesn’t guarantee a healthy diet if it’s still high in sugars, fats, and salts. But combining the best of organic with local and seasonal choices, knowing when to buy organic, and limiting intermediaries will give you the best mix for long-term well-being.
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