Switzerland grows peanuts for the first time

In canton Aargau, situated in northern Switzerland and known for its historical castles, a farm in Lenzburg has started to grow peanuts - a first for the alpine nation!

Peanuts are being farmed in Switzerland

While typically grown in warm, dry conditions found in countries like China, India, Nigeria and parts of the US, peanuts have found their way to Switzerland, and not just to the supermarket shelves. 

On a farm in Lenzburg, Aargau, Fabian Salm has become the first farmer in Switzerland to cultivate peanuts on a large scale. The farm is growing the Spanish variety of the popular nut, known for its red skin and particularly nutty flavour. 

According to the Aargauer Zeitung, there are almost two hectares dedicated to growing peanuts on the Lenzburg farm. This year, Salm predicts that they will harvest around 500 kilos of peanuts and aims to increase this to two tons in the future. The peanuts are being processed and sold locally from the farm.

Peanut growing is a “pioneering achievement”, says agriculture director

Switzerland is more traditionally known for its livestock farms and is home to 1,5 million cattle and 1,3 million pigs, according to the federal government. Swiss farmers also typically grow crops such as wheat, barley, potatoes and seasonal fruit and vegetables. 

Agriculture director Markus Dieth recognises the significance of Salm’s venture into growing peanuts: “With this pioneering achievement, the Salm family demonstrates how new ideas, regional wealth creation, and agricultural tradition can be successfully combined,” reports Watson. It is “an example of the innovative spirit of agriculture,” Dieth continues.