The measures taken to relieve pressure on the Swiss pig market have proven effective. The market is slowly recovering. Overcrowding of barns, with its potential consequences for animal welfare, has been prevented. Current export measures will be reduced accordingly. The market situation is being continuously monitored.
To relieve market pressure, approximately 450 tons of pork cuts and 10,000 slaughter pigs in halves were exported to Europe. In addition, around 5,000 piglets were slaughtered in Switzerland and 11,000 piglets abroad. These measures were financed through the Market Relief Fund, which was exclusively funded by contributions from pig farmers. After contributions were already halted on July 17, 2026, the remaining market relief measures will also be temporarily suspended at the end of September. A total of CHF 11.5 million was collected from pig farmers. The fund currently has a balance of approximately CHF 3.0 million. This remaining amount will stay in the fund and is earmarked for any future market relief measures.
At a roundtable discussion organized by the Swiss Farmers’ Union at the end of August, the industry discussed the next steps for a balanced pig market in the long term. Since then, a working group led by Proviande has been working on concrete solutions. The focus is on practical improvements in the areas of market transparency, pricing, and market relief measures.
