rend to consume local fruits and vegetables from the region should be exploited — Benjamin Roduit

In the interests of National Health, the Swiss parliament wants the federal government to promote the consumption of locally grown fruit and vegetables. Following the National Council, the Council of states also adopted a motion by National Council member Benjamin Roduit on Monday by 21 votes to 16, with 2 abstentions.

Overweight and obesity are among the major public health problems, in Switzerland, according to Roduit. According to a 2012 study, the resulting diseases would cause direct and indirect costs of almost 8 billion Swiss francs.

Roduit also saw his demand as a contribution to the fight against climate change. “The Covid-19 trend to consume local fruits and vegetables from the region should be exploited,” he said.

In the Council of states, a relatively small majority also took this view, unlike the Federal Council. Health Minister Alain Berset opposed the mandate in vain.

Consumers have long known “what to do”, said Jakob Stark, who spoke on behalf of the minority of the Council of states, but without success.

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