The sectoral plan for the use of arable crop rotation areas (FFF), which was revised by the Federal Council in 2020, will be implemented in the canton of Zurich, according to a statement. It regulates how these areas are used, strengthens the interest in protecting the most valuable agricultural areas in Switzerland, and aims to standardize the elimination of new FFFs, writes the statement.
In the canton of Zurich, the previous FFF classification is based on the agricultural suitability classes. This will be largely retained, according to the canton's statement. In certain cases, the new minimum requirements of the federal sectoral plan will have to be taken into account. Details can be found in the updated publication "Criteria for crop rotation areas in the canton of Zurich".
The revised sectoral plan strengthens the interest in protecting crop rotation areas when planning outside of the settlement area and building outside of the building zones, the statement continues. If FFF is to be used, the need for the intended use must be identified. The applicant must prove that the use cannot be accommodated within the settlement area, according to the canton. Alternative locations must also be examined. When valuable land is used, optimum use must be ensured, for example by arranging the buildings and facilities in a compact manner.
