Did you know that Switzerland is becoming a super cool place for growing vegetables? And guess what? They really love growing them the organic way! Let’s dig into some fun facts about veggies in Switzerland.
Organic Veggies Are Super Popular!
Switzerland has been growing way more organic veggies lately. In fact, since 1996, the land used for organic veggies has grown six times bigger! That’s like going from a tiny backyard garden to a huge farm. Now, there are 3,160 hectares of organic veggie fields. (A hectare is about the size of two soccer fields!)
And here’s the coolest part: one-quarter of all the veggie fields in Switzerland are organic. That means no yucky chemicals – just happy, healthy plants!
Veggie Fields Are Growing Everywhere
Not just organic veggies, but all veggie fields are getting bigger. Since 1996, the land used for growing veggies has grown by 50%. That’s a lot of carrots, tomatoes, and zucchinis!
In total, Switzerland now has 12,750 hectares of veggie fields. That’s even bigger than Lake Lucerne – one of Switzerland’s most famous lakes!
What Do Swiss Shoppers Care About?
When people in Switzerland go shopping for veggies, they think about a few things:
- Seasonality: They like veggies that are in season (like pumpkins in fall or strawberries in summer).
- Local Love: They prefer veggies grown in Switzerland or nearby.
- Looks Matter: They want their veggies to look fresh and yummy.
But here’s the funny part: even though organic veggies are growing like crazy, people don’t always care if their veggies are organic. They care more about the price and if the packaging is eco-friendly.
What Veggies Do Swiss People Eat?
Swiss folks eat about 100 kilograms of veggies per person every year. (That’s like carrying around a baby elephant made of veggies!) Here’s what they love the most:
- Fruit Veggies: Tomatoes, zucchinis, and melons are the favorites.
- Root Veggies: Carrots, fennel, and beetroot come next.
- Salads: Lettuce and other leafy greens are also popular.
Can Switzerland Grow All Its Own Veggies?
Not quite! In 2023, Switzerland grew 44% of all the veggies it needed. That means they had to buy the rest from other countries. But for all food (not just veggies), they grew 54% of what they needed.
Growing veggies is also a big business in Switzerland. In 2023, veggies were worth CHF 758 million (that’s over $800 million!). That’s a lot of money for carrots and tomatoes!
Why Is This Important?
Growing more veggies – especially organic ones – is great for the planet. It means fewer chemicals, healthier soil, and happier farmers. Plus, it’s awesome for people who love eating fresh, local food.
So, next time you eat a carrot or a tomato, think about all the hard work that goes into growing it. And maybe even try growing your own veggies at home – it’s fun and super rewarding!
Sources:
- Federal Statistical Office (FSO)
- Keystone-SDA
