ABSTRACT
This chapter reports on a study to help clarify the following questions: What is the current succession situation of family farms in Switzerland, What are the most important determinants for a farm either being taken over or given up in the next generation, According to what patterns does the process of succession take place on family farms. In Switzerland, structural change in farming takes place primarily in the context of intergenerational succession. Farm succession is not a one-off event, but rather represents a process that goes beyond the formal transfer of goods and chattels to the next generation. The size of a family farm has a demonstrable influence on whether a farm is taken over or given up in the next generation. However, since most farm managers are reliant on the income from the farm until their retirement, and many farms are not in a position to support two households, occupational alternatives must be sought, especially in the mountain region.
