The digital transformation of the Swiss agrifood sector
This article describes how digitalisation in the Swiss agricultural sector has evolved from 2018 to the present day. It also outlines the measures required for successful digitalisation.
Archive
22 posts
Soil Organic Matter Content: Is There A Need to Update The Interpretation for Agricultural soils?
Incorporating the SOM:clay ratio in the Principles of Agricultural Crop Fertilisation in Switzerland (PRIF) allows us to give more specific agronomic advice at each site based on a broader considera-tion of soil quality.
Plant Diversity to Cope with Increased Drought Risk in Grasslands
Plant species diversity in intensively managed grasslands can act like a natural insurance against drought risk by reducing production variability. This reduction persists even at increased drought risks.
The Significance of the Agricultural Policy Goals for the Swiss Population
This article summarises all papers published by Agroscope and ETH that deal with the perception of agricultural policy of both farmers and the rest of the population. It highlights what must be borne in mind when developing policy measures so as to achieve broad acceptance of an integrated agricultural and food policy. An effective agricultural…
Capillary Effect Confirmed: Why Hay Particles Are Key for Eye Formation in Emmentaler Cheese
Ten years ago, Agroscope showed that eye formation in cheese is promoted by tiny hay particles whose capillaries serve as starting points for cheese eyes. Researchers have now confirmed the crucial role played by the capillary effect.
How the Alpine Farming Sector and Individual Alps Can Promote Worker Loyalty
Swiss summer farms lack qualified and experienced staff, partly because workers are spending fewer summers on the alps. The shortage of staff and loss of experience can have a negative impact on the sustainable management of the alpine pastures.
Valais Rye Bread AOP Proves Impressively Diverse
The Valais rye bread AOP project is a project-specific field study with a clearly defined, geographic and legal context (AOP/PDO). The aim is to describe the authenticity and quality of this traditional sourdough.
How Profitable Is Swiss Goat Milk Production?
Goats may be appealing, but very few goat farmers can make money from them. Dairy goats become economically viable only when annual milk production reaches at least 100 tonnes, which equates to around 120 to 180 dairy goats, depending on yield.
Japanese Beetles in Switzerland Have Italian and North American Roots
Genome analysis shows that Japanese beetle populations in Switzerland have different origins. This indicates several entry and dispersal routes – knowledge that can help develop targeted prevention and containment measures.
Resistant Grape Varieties: Raising Awareness of Promising Wines
Wines produced from resistant grape varieties are in the ascendant in Swizerland. Consumers are showing that they are open to them. The market penetration of these wines, especially in the catering sector, could be improved through better communication.
Quantifying Food Waste: Focus on Vegetable Production
Food waste in primary production is rarely recorded – yet this data is key to devising effective reduction strategies throughout the entire value-added chain. This analysis evaluates existing measurement methods with the focus on vegetables. Around 37% of edible food is wasted every year in Switzerland. To address this issue, the Federal Council adopted the…
Conserving Fodder Plants in situ: Challenges and Perspectives
The biodiversity of grassland areas is a precious resource that must be preserved. The evaluation of the in situ conservation programme by farmers and experts has led to recommendations for its improvement.
Alternative Forage Plants as Catch Crops
Interest in drought-adapted alternative forage plants is growing. What is their potential as catch crops? A study by Agroscope highlights the advantages and limitations of a selection of these crops.
Swiss Regional Nature Parks Promote Biodiversity Conservation Agri-Environment Schemes
Designation of regional nature parks in Switzerland significantly boosts the adoption of direct payment schemes aimed at promoting biodiversity conservation (agri-environment schemes, AES), particularly in regions with relatively more intensive farming and low prior uptake of such schemes. Although both regional nature parks and agri-environment schemes (AES) aim to conserve biodiversity, the interaction between these…
How Stable Will Future Crop Yields Be in Switzerland?
Stable yields in plant production are crucial for farm profitability and food security. Model simulations show that the yield stability of many summer crops could decline substantially due to climate change, while winter crops are significantly less affected.
Risk of Exposure to Dressed Seed is often Underestimated
A recent study shows that the risk of exposure during activities involving seeds treated with plant protection products is not always properly understood. Information provided to agricultural professionals should be improved.
Duckweed: a Future Feed Ingredient for Closing Nitrogen Cycles?
Duckweed can efficiently produce protein-rich biomass on nutrient-rich waters, such as wastewater or liquid farmyard manure, while simultaneously binding nitrogen and phosphorus. This presents potential for modern circular economy systems.
Targeted Grazing by Highland Cattle: Less Green Alder, More Plant Biodiversity
A recent Agroscope study highlights the potential of Highland cattle to control the spread of green alder and restore plant diversity on mountain pastures.
Strategies for Reducing Nitrogen and Phosphorus Losses
Imports from abroad were incorporated into Switzerland’s farm-gate-budget-based agricultural nutrient budget calculation to expand it into a food-system budget. This allows assessment of self-sufficiency, nutrient use and circularity to be assessed in addition to nutrient surpluses.
Avoiding Subsoil Compaction under No-Till
With the passage of time, crop yield losses can occur on no-till farmland. Researchers from Agroscope and the Universities of Graz and Nevada demonstrated how subsoil compaction can lead to yield losses.
Cultivar Mixtures Stabilise Wheat Baking Quality
An Agroscope study shows that breeding cultivar mixtures is an effective strategy for mitigating the effects of changing abiotic conditions and maintaining stable wheat quality.
Consensus and Dissension with Respect to Agricultural Policy Goals
A study conducted by Agroscope and ETH Zurich surveyed the opinions of both farmers and the rest of the population with respect to agricultural policy goals, revealing both shared and divergent views.
