At the same time it plays a central role in drawing up strategies, for example in relation to the future development of agrarian policy. A framework for agriculture which encourages competition One of the FOAG's main departments is Production and International Affairs, which deals on the one hand with bringing Swiss agrarian policy into line with the changing internal and external context of stock breeding and arable farming and drawing up the corresponding market regulations for milk and dairy products, animals for slaughter and meat or arable and fodder production, for example. On the other hand, it deals with international questions and draws up bases for decision-making and proposes solutions in relation to European integration and the World Trade Organisation, among other issues. In order to increase the competitivity of Swiss agricultural products this department also handles promotion and labelling in collaboration with the FOAG's agricultural partner organisations. Eduard Hofer leads the department Production and International Affairs.
Direct payments form an essential part of the farmer's income.
In addition, farms run on especially environmentally friendly principles are encouraged. Aid is given for investment in land regroupment and constructing farm tracks and farm buildings, for example. Such aid increases the level of professionalism in agriculture and helps to improve agrarian structures as well as protecting animals and water courses. This field is covered by another main department, that of Direct Payments and Structures under the authority of Assistant Director Christophe Darbellay . The third principal department of the FOAG is Research and Advisory Services, under Assistant Director Jacques Morel , which is responsible for the strategic aspects of the activities of the FOAG's six Federal Agricultural Research Centres and the Federal Stud.