For the last 5 years, Switzerland no longer applies high customs duties to imported asparagus when Swiss asparagus is on the market and ''despite this opening, the producers have stood up to foreign competition'' the OFAG (Federal Agricultural Office) noted.
According to OFAG's monthly bulletin on the fruit and vegetable market, between 2005-2008, 249 tons of green asparagus was produced on average/year. From 2009-2013, annual production reached 303 tons. This is a 54 ton increase, a 22% growth. Over the same period, annual imports decreased by 52 tons (-1%). The percentage of imported asparagus in the total offer went from 96% to 95%. Production prices have increased an average 14% and the OFAG notes that imported asparagus is 6% cheaper.
