Switzerland's migration department (SEM) announced on Wednesday that the Swiss Farmers' Union (SFU) and SEM would offer refugees the opportunity to work on farms to facilitate their integration while providing a much-needed workforce.

Though similar projects exist in the catering and automobile industries, this 3-year pilot project is the first agricultural initiative to be endorsed by authorities as part of a long-term cultural integration plan.

Ten agricultural holdings are already taking part in the project, though the situation is liable to evolve, said authorities.

Each refugee worker will receive an initial monthly gross salary of 2,300 Swiss francs (2,209 euros) to be increased to 3,200 Swiss francs the following months per minimum wage regulations decreed in most cantons.

Participating pilot farms will also benefit from state subsidies to deal with additional administrative costs, as well as lodging grants if the workers sleep and eat on the premises.

Following last year's immigration referendum, Switzerland is seeking to rethink its long-term labor outlook amid unprecedented levels of immigration to Europe.

According to figures, between 25,000 and 30,000 foreign workers are needed each year to meet labor demands dictated by the agricultural sector. A number of these posts could be filled by refugees already located on Swiss soil.

Though the main benefits are financial, the project will also enable refugees and asylum seekers to be better integrated into Swiss society by becoming financially independent, deepening their understanding of Swiss culture, and learning one of the country's four languages.

Ultimately, participating bodies hope the project will present a win-win situation for both agricultural holdings and refugees, while reducing the financial burden on government coffers. Endit

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