Franches-Montagnes Horse Breeders Protest Federal Funding Cuts at Swiss Event

The 121st Marché-Concours in Saignelégier, a major event for the Franches-Montagnes horse breed, is overshadowed by the growing discontent of breeders facing significant federal budget cuts. This year's event is particularly notable, welcoming Bern as a guest of honor for the first time and seeing the attendance of two federal councilors, including Elisabeth Baume-Schneider, a native of the Franches-Montagnes region.

However, the festive atmosphere is marred by the Confederation's austerity measures. The federal program aims to reduce the share of federal credits for animal selection in horse breeding from 4% to 3%. This will lead to a substantial 18% budget cut for the Swiss Federation of Franches-Montagnes Horses (FSFM), amounting to 300,000 francs starting next year.

FSFM has warned that these cuts will necessitate numerous cost-saving measures that will directly affect breeders. The situation is further exacerbated by planned disengagements in other areas, including a reduction in foal birth premiums from 500 to 250 francs. The support for breed promotion is also set to phase out by 2029, and equine research at the National Horse Breeding Centre in Avenches will be eliminated.

Breeders are expressing their dismay at these decisions, which they fear will jeopardize the future of Switzerland's sole indigenous horse breed. The Marché-Concours, usually a celebration of this heritage, has become a platform for their concerns to be heard by federal authorities.

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This will force us to take many cost-saving measures that will directly impact breeders.