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Environment 01.10.25

The occurrence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) is widely documented in soils, water bodies, drinking water and foods. An analysis by Agroscope ranks the contribution made by plant-protection products and other sources to groundwater contamination with PFAS.

Agroscope, FOAG

Environment 29.09.25

Nitrogen from agriculture, traffic, and industry enters soils and water bodies via the air. A new study shows for the first time that increased nitrogen deposition has a negative impact on bird populations – even in semi-natural habitats.

FiBL, Swiss Ornithological Institute in Sempach

Food 23.09.25

Wines made from fungus-resistant grape varieties are meeting with a comparable success to those from traditional grape varieties. A Swiss study reveals several consumer profiles, highlighting the importance of custom-tailored marketing strategies.

Environment 22.09.25

Greenhouse gas emissions from drained carbon-rich soils are being underestimated in GHG accounting. To resolve this, their distribution and emissions need to be better assessed. Accordingly, improvements for the GHG reporting system are suggested.

Food 17.09.25

Together with the cheese- and whey-processing sector and the foodward Foundation, Agroscope investigated how whey can be used in food and higher-quality feed. Vegetarian, kosher- and halal-compliant whey expands potential applications in the food sector.

Agroscope, foodward

Plant production 11.09.25

Agroscope researchers have assessed the potential impact of the Japanese beetle for Swiss agriculture and outlined integrated, multi-crop control measures for different sectors of production.

Environment 10.09.25

To date, figures on agricultural water use for irrigation in Switzerland have been quite patchy. In response, Agroscope has developed a method for estimating consumption volumes on behalf of the Federal Office for the Environment.

Environment 09.09.25

In a literature review, FiBL showed that protecting biodiversity requires both sustainably managed agricultural landscapes and suitable, undisturbed habitats.

Plant production 28.08.25

Oilseed rape (OSR) requires multiple plant-protection treatments. Growing this crop with companion plants is a promising approach for sustainable pest control.

Animal production 21.08.25

Livestock husbandry poses challenges in determining odour impacts due to the heterogeneity and spatial extent of its odour sources. Agroscope and Empa have refined a method using trained assessors and validated it with tracer gases.

Agroscope, EMPA

Plant production 19.08.25

With its positive contribution to aroma, Metschnikowia pulcherrima is emerging as a valuable yeast in winemaking. The trial conducted suggests that bioprospection is an effective strategy for leveraging local microbial biodiversity.

Agricultural economics 14.08.25

The use of antibiotics in veterinary medicine is to be further reduced. It is crucial for farms that their competitiveness does not suffer as a result.

Agricultural economics 12.08.25

Acceptance of future digital technologies among farmers depends not only on how open the farmers are to digitalisation, but also primarily on concrete, farm-specific risk-benefit assessments.

Agricultural economics 04.08.25

Agroscope investigated the Swiss population’s acceptance of digital technologies. Tools and technologies were rated more positively in plant production than in animal husbandry.

Plant production 29.07.25

Many fruit and vegetable crops are dependent on managed pollinators such as honeybees or bumblebees for pollination. Diversification of these pollinators is essential, since they are not always the best choice for specific crop plants, especially during cold, wet weather.

Agroscope, Bee Management, Wildbiene + Partner, University of Wageningen

Environment 24.07.25

How can urban agriculture in Zurich move toward the net-zero target? A FiBL study shows that major restructuring would be necessary to reach the goal – although smaller measures can still help bring it closer.

Agricultural economics 16.07.25

Scientists measured tree growth in four agroforestry systems over a ten-year period and calculated carbon storage from their findings. This data helps us to better understand, plan and implement agroforestry systems, and to assess their climate-change mitigation impact.

Environment 15.07.25

A new study by Agroscope shows that despite higher subsidies, bushes continue to spread on alpine meadows.

Plant production 10.07.25

Although there is enormous microbial diversity in blueberry substrate, there is no strong correlation between diversity and yield, according to a new Agroscope study examining the interaction of soil biology and cropping system.

Environment 08.07.25

Feeding food no longer suitable for human consumption (‘former food products’ or FFPs) to dairy cattle is a promising approach for reducing food waste. When included in dairy diets, FFPs do not affect the cow’s metabolism, but do not reduce methane production either.

Agroscope, University of Milan

Agricultural economics 02.07.25

Stable yields are essential to ensure agricultural profitability. Two key measures are needed to limit future losses: adapting cultivation methods to the site and selecting heat- and drought-resistant varieties.

Agroscope, Université of Liège, University of Rennes

Agricultural economics 30.06.25

Agroscope and the BFH-HAFL investigated the resilience of summer farms. Although the farms were resilient as far as cheese production was concerned, they were less so in terms of landscape management and labour retention. Innovations and improved labour conditions could help remedy the situation.

Agroscope, BFH-HAFL

Plant production 23.06.25

Agroscope researchers tested three natural antagonists of the tomato leafminer on six tomato genotypes. Of the three genotypes displaying a degree of resistance, two were found to be compatible with the natural enemies of the pest.

Agricultural economics 19.06.25

The capitalised earnings value level is an important basis for assessing the value of farms, e.g. at the time of their handover. Agroscope refined the historically developed calculation method using company valuation methods.

Plant production 17.06.25

A study led by Agroscope has deepened our understanding of the genetic mechanisms responsible for grape skin colour. New findings have led to a revision of the genealogy of the Rouge du Pays cultivar (Cornalin du Valais) and contributed to a better understanding of the genetic diversity of the grapevine.

Agroscope, INRAE, HEPIA, University of Strasbourg, University of Montpellier, University of Neuchâtel

Agricultural economics 16.06.25

State support for the sale of animal products tends to increase the demand for resource-intensive foods. This can increase the environmental impact, including negative effects on biodiversity.

BFH-HAFL, Ecoplan

Food 04.06.25

An Agroscope study has analysed the nutritional quality of 66 milk alternatives from Swiss supermarkets. The researchers also considered how the nutritional profile of milk alternatives could be improved.

Plant production 28.05.25

A study on Chasselas grapevines shows that yield regulation by cluster thinning after foliar fertilisation does not increase grape nitrogen concentration but does encourage N accumulation in the perennial parts of the vine.

Agroscope, University of Lausanne, Direction générale de l’agriculture, de la viticulture et des affaires vétérinaires (DGAV), INRAE

Food 22.05.25

Emmentaler PDO has a low-to-very-low salt content compared to other varieties of cheese. Agroscope researchers show how this came about, what sort of effects this has on sensory quality, and what can be done about this.

Agricultural economics 21.05.25

Drones can save time when looking for livestock or checking the condition of fences on summer pastures. Researchers at Agroscope have studied the factors that influence the use of drones in summer farming.