The persistent drought clearly shows that adjustments are necessary in agriculture to ensure long-term sustainable production. The past years clearly show that the availability of water will also constitute a central challenge for productive agriculture in the coming years. Against this background, determined and timely action is required. If effective measures are not taken, it must be assumed that, in the medium term, larger crop rotation areas can no longer be cultivated in a cost-covering manner and would be lost to food production. Such a development would have far-reaching negative effects. Studies show that the world population suffering from hunger is increasing alarmingly. At the same time, our food security is also seriously endangered. In addition, our landscape would suffer greatly and this would have negative effects on tourism and our diverse landscape. The Federal Council is requested to answer the following questions: Is the Federal Council prepared to adjust the requirements for residual water flows at spring catchments so that a spring can be captured 100%? How is it possible to considerably facilitate permits for rainwater retention basins and artificial ponds for the irrigation of crops? What possibilities does the Federal Council see with regard to the permitting procedures for such facilities in order to enable the creation of water reserves in the agricultural zone more quickly? Could biodiversity not also benefit considerably from such facilities?
Source
Federal Assembly of the Swiss Confederation: Adjustments to drought in agricultural areas. https://www.parlament.ch/de/ratsbetrieb/suche-curia-vista/geschaeft?AffairId=20264098