Swiss reject agriculture schemes in national vote

Voters across Switzerland on Sunday resoundingly rejected initiatives aimed at boosting local farming and promoting more ethical and environmental standards in food production, amid fears of cost hikes and reduced consumer choice. Voters rejected two schemes linked to agriculture and food security, as well as protection for Swiss farmers against cheap food imports. The "Food Sovereignty" initiative, which had the backing of Switzerland's powerful farmers' union, had among other things called for turning a moratorium on genetically modified organisms (GMO) into a total ban.Early polls had suggested strong backing for both initiatives, but support fell after the government, parliament and other opponents argued they could send prices skyrocketing, limit consumer choice and might violate Switzerland's international trade obligations.Geneva and three other French-speaking cantons supported both initiatives, but the German-speaking part of the country voted massively against them.