Canopy initiative - Agriculture    

The “Canopy initiatives" are divided into two separate initiatives. The first one focuses on agricultural areas, while the second addresses the rest of the territory.

The initiative text is formulated as a project written in general terms.

Art. 75d - Bocage

¹ The Confederation, Cantons, and Municipalities shall implement incentive measures to achieve an agroforestry vegetative network on agricultural [rural] areas with the goal of reaching 10% woody structures at the local level by 2050. To achieve this:

1. They shall establish biodiversity corridors for wildlife, as well as protect waterways, wetlands, and riparian zones.
2. The spacing between hedgerows must not exceed 200 meters.
3. Compatibility with the passage of mechanical equipment shall be ensured if necessary.
4. These initiatives shall be financed by the appropriate public authorities.
5. Agricultural or financial losses resulting from these measures shall be compensated for or subsidized by the state.
6. Exceptions shall be made when it is proven that essential infrastructure for society irreparably conflicts with said agroforestry network and/or for substantiated reasons of safety or technical feasibility.

Diagram representing a wooded corridor on an agricultural plot

On the left, the bare plot, and on the right, the same plot with added woody structures.