Swiss Stories

Teaser

The national gene bank

Environment
Humanity's future depends on the diversity of the species living on our planet, as they provide present and future generations with a food source and a healthy environment. 'Our Biodiversity, Our Food, Our Health' was the theme of the United Nations International Day for Biological Diversity on 22 May 2019. In Switzerland, many varieties of plants are stored in the national gene bank maintained by Agroscope, the Swiss centre of excellence for agricultural research.
Chasselas

Grape varieties – Swiss made

Environment
The town of Vevey will host its renowned Winegrowers' Festival, the Fête des Vignerons, from 18 July to 11 August 2019. This event, recognised by UNESCO as 'intangible cultural heritage', pays tribute to the winemakers of Lavaux, overlooking Lake Geneva. It is also an opportunity to taste a selection of Swiss-made wines in advance, some of which have recently won international awards.
Roger

Federer's good for Switzerland

Society
Roger Federer – the man and his game – embody reliability and excellence, which are also associated with Switzerland. He also projects an image of a modern and open Switzerland. This spring he reached the landmark of 100 career titles. Experts share their views on Federer's international role.

by Bertrand Monnard

Swiss village over pasture

The Swiss Village Farm

Environment
Today we venture out to discover the Swiss Village Farm (SVF) Foundation, a complex of old cottages and meadows, home to the most extraordinary species of cattle, goats, sheep and hens. Four-horned rams, 'fainting' goats that keel over with fright when startled, gold-crested hens. Are these simply quirks of nature? Not in the least. These are species born from centuries of crossbreeding, experiments of breeders willing to create stronger and more resistant animals through controlled mating; species that today risk extinction, because they no longer conform to the standards of the global food industry.

by Niccolò Iorno

10 Climeworks Plant Greenhouse Background Copyright Climeworks Photo by Julia Dunlop

The Swiss CO2 vacuum cleaner

Environment
The Zurich-based company Climeworks has developed giant sensors to filter ambient air and capture carbon dioxide, which is then injected underground. Since the start-up was founded in 2017, its technology has made its mark in several different sectors. Climeworks aims to eliminate 1% of global emissions by 2025.

by Mehdi Atmani

Crop-spraying drone flying above Swiss vineyard

Vineyard drones

Science & Education
The town of Vevey will host the Winegrowers' Festival from 18 July to 11 August 2019. Included on UNESCO's List of Intangible Cultural Heritage, the event pays tribute to the winemakers, artisans and artists of the Lavaux region.

by Lea Huszno

Agroscope's rice cultivation trial in Schwadernau in the northern part of the canton of Bern © Kathrin Hartmann

Innovative Swiss agriculture

Environment
Will rice, soya beans and sweet potatoes – which originated in Asia and the Americas – become normal Swiss crops in the future? Valued for their adaptability to climate change and nutritional qualities and also as a potential source of diversification, these crops have in fact begun to be grown in parts of Switzerland and could be much more widely cultivated in the future.