Archive

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.

A study examines the economic drivers of the optimal productive lifespan of dairy cows in two Swiss production systems.

Swiss citizens think that government, farmers, retailers and consumers are jointly responsible for transitioning towards more sustainable food systems. These are the findings of two surveys conducted by Agroscope and ETH Zürich.

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.

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.

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

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

Custom-tailored communication about the personal benefits in terms of nutrition and sustainable living provided by community-supported agriculture (CSA) can motivate a variety of non-members to join the scheme.

Community gardens, allotments and community-supported agriculture are key for sustainable, resilient food systems. Their future depends on political recognition and inter-institutional network support.

Every two years, the Biennial Transparency Report (BTR) highlights advances in climate mitigation and climate adaptation. Agricultural policy developments and their implications for agricultural greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are a key topic.

An Agroscope study gives an overview of front-of-pack labels on the packaging of 66 plant-based milk alternatives (hereafter referred to as milk alternatives) available in Swiss supermarkets. It also examines whether the information on the labels accurately reflects product properties.

Farm managers are getting older and older on average. Although this trend poses challenges for the Swiss agricultural sector, it also offers opportunities.

A study on result-based agri-environmental payments in Switzerland shows how payment design can affect biodiversity.

Numerous environmental labels are based on life cycle assessment in combination with other methods. Are these methods compatible, and is it actually necessary to combine them? An Agroscope study investigates with the issue. Environmental labels offer guidance to consumers for making quick environmentally friendly purchasing decisions. Some environmental labels use results from life cycle assessment,…

Microalgae do not need soil and produce more biomass than crops in the same period of time. The main applications of microalgae are currently food supplements, cosmetic products, animal feed and biofuels.

A new study by Agroscope and the ETH shows that there is no rural-urban divide in the prioritisation of agricultural policy goals. From very rural to very urban, the Swiss population puts economic objectives before environmental ones.

A global review of the literature shows that successful strategies for promoting organic agriculture vary from one region to another and require a combination of measures, e.g economic incentives coupled with educational and informational campaigns.

Geographical indications are essential for international cheese trading. A protected name such as Roquefort achieves a higher price premium than a compound name such as Gouda Holland where the cheese type (Gouda) itself is not protected.

Fluctuations in the price of fertilisers and agricultural products influence the economic efficiency of fertiliser use. This can create economic incentives for reducing fertiliser use.

To date, the perceived extent of the freedom of action of farmers has rarely been used to evaluate the social sustainability of farms. Now, however, a new indicator has been developed that illustrates the scope for action of family farms in terms of consumption and production.

Agroscope analysed the economic situation of organic fattening-pig production in Switzerland. The study shows that six of the ten farms examined – particularly the larger ones – can produce profitably.

Milk production is the most important production branch of Swiss agriculture. The liberalised cheese trade with the EU requires competitive dairy farms. Despite this, Swiss farms produce milk in a less economically viable way than comparable EU farms.

Product and quality differentiation in Swiss cheese markets enables higher and more stable raw milk prices. Protected Geographical Indications (GIs) such as the Swiss AOP (Appellation d'Origine Protégée), could further enhance milk prices, although their effectiveness depends on the strength of the GI label.

Does pesticide reduction reduce profitability and increase working time? Quite the reverse – Agroscope researchers showed that going pesticide-free can be an attractive proposition.