Abstract
Following the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic and the steady growth of the world's population, it has become evident that there is a need for a quick change in the current global food chain and for the development of sustainable local food systems (Enthoven & Van den Broeck, 2021; Murphy et al., 2021). Soybean is the plant that has the highest protein content, and for that reason, it has become one of the world's most important protein sources (Messina, 2022; Liu et al., 2021; Jennings et al., 2020; Voora et al., 2020). However, its production is highly localized and involves various environmental and social issues (WWF, 2014). This thesis aims to examine the challenges and opportunities related to local soybean production in Switzerland, with a focus on the economic, social and environmental dimensions of a sustainable food system, while also analyzing the current offerings in promoting the sustainability of the country's food system. Interviews were conducted with the soybean farmers and different representatives of the agrarian/soybean industry in Switzerland to understand what opportunities and challenges are currently encountered. The interviews revealed that farmers' production decisions are influenced by market prices, farmers' economic status, personal beliefs, and market demand. The main opportunities offered by the soybean crop are related to the fact that it is a plant that can fix nitrogen, which makes it perfect for crop rotation and to keep the soil healthy. Moreover, the soybean is currently in high demand on the market, especially the organic one, and therefore farmers are offered prices that are considered very attractive, and the federal and cantonal contributions encourage soybean cultivation in Switzerland by giving direct payments for specific agricultural practices and crops. The main challenges of local soybean production relate to the limited number of local processing and harvesting facilities, limited useful agricultural area availability, weed management strategies, and agricultural benefit-cost disparities in the food chain. Swiss farmers also refer to the difficulty of finding workforce for manual weed control, highlighting labor-related challenges in organic farming. For Switzerland to have a sustainable and thriving industry, it is important to have more collaboration and communication between stakeholders and to invest in more collection, harvest, and procession infrastructures. As a result of increasing market demand, government support, and the crop's inherent environmental benefits, the prospects for soybean cultivation in Switzerland remain promising despite the current challenges.
Martac, Andrea