Agrochemical head calls for end to organic farming

Pixabay

The head of the Swiss agrochemical company, Syngenta, says we should stop organic farming to make sure we can feed the world.

Erik Fyrwald says the rich world should increase its yield to counter the global food crisis. In an interview with the NZZ, he says organic yields can be 50% less than non-organic farming. 

He says a better method would be regenerative farming, which uses some organic methods such as crop rotation – but also allows targeted pesticide use and GMOs.

But organic farmers rejected the idea. President of the Small Farmers' Association, Kilian Baumann, says the chemical company is fighting for sales as fewer pesticides are being used. 

More from Bitesize News

  • Economic outlook uncertain for this year

    Switzerland’s economic outlook remains cautious, with the KOF Swiss Economic Institute forecasting growth of around one percent in 2026,although that depends on falling oil prices.

  • Geneva bans the burkini

    Geneva’s parliament has voted to ban the burkini in public swimming pools, ending months of heated debate.

  • Birthday candles banned in Geneva schools

    In response to the fire in Crans Montana, birthday candles have been banned in Geneva’s primary schools.

  • Transit tax moves closer

    Switzerland is moving closer to introducing a transit tax for foreign vehicles crossing the country.

  • Fake Nyon officer fined

    A man in his fifties has been convicted in Vaud after impersonating a police officer in several towns, including Rolle and Nyon.

  • Heavy traffic this Easter

    Heavy traffic is expected across Switzerland over the Easter holiday period, particularly on the A2 Gotthard autoroute and the A13 San Bernardino route from March 27.

Download our app

  • Available on the App Store
  • Available on Google Play