Recent agricultural policy reforms in Switzerland claim to be the result of holistic approaches that take all actors of the food chain into account. However, the bulk of actors at the first (farmers) and last (consumers) stage of the food chain were mostly substituted by powerful organizations representing them. There is a growing discomfort among both farmers as well as in other parts of the civil society. A true holistic approach includes all actors among the food chain while accounting for their respective power relation. This analysis looks at the first stage of the food chain. We interviewed 75 grassland farmers about their perceptions and perspectives in regard to agricultural policy making in Switzerland. The statements cover a wide range of topics, that go beyond common narratives usually brought into political discussions by representative organisations. Our findings emphasize participatory approaches, spatial and structural differentiation of measures and the empowerment of networks.