Covering slurry endstorage silos
In its agricultural policy AP22+, the Federal Council states that further reductions in greenhouse gas and odor emissions from slurry and manure are necessary.
In addition to the Environmental Protection Act (EPA), the following two measures, which are contained in the Air Pollution Control Ordinance (OAPC), will apply – across Switzerland – from January 1st 2022:
• where topographically possible, use trailing drag hose distributors (LU & SG; other cantons from 2024)
Furthermore, the 10 % tolerance limit, which was previously tolerated in the calculation of the fertilization balance, will be abolished from the year 2024. The above-mentioned emission-reducing measures have been specifically promoted for years within the framework of the Direct Payment Ordinance (DPO). Contributions from investment aid can thus be claimed by means of a cantonal contribution application, either directly to the cantonal offices for agriculture or to the building, environmental and economic departments of the respective cantons. By referring to the OAPC, its specifications are taken into account in the ecological performance certificate (EPC) and checked on farms.
In the context of new buildings, there has been an obligation for a few years to cover slurry repositories. From 2022, all existing slurry silos will have to be provided with a permanent cover. Transitional periods have been announced by the cantons and set nationwide until 2030. The situation in most cantons is that Swiss farmers will have between three years (for large slurry repositories) and eight years (for smaller slurry silos) to provide them with an approved cover.