Farm Burnout: Early Detection, Effective Support
Two thirds of Swiss farmers have already reached their personal limits — yet specialised help is rarely sought. A nationwide network shows why and how this can change.
Archive
2,616 posts
Long-Term Study of Agri-Environmental Monitoring Highlights Ecological Progress
Indicators from a 14-year monitoring programme show improvements in climate, water, soil and food supply.
More Light, Higher Yield: Strawberries React More Sensitively to Shading than Raspberries
In Switzerland a large proportion of strawberries and raspberries are grown under protective structures that could be combined with agrivoltaic systems. A study conducted by Agroscope and Insolight investigated how shading impacts yield and fruit quality and calculated threshold values.
Fabric Wrap Optimises Cheese Ripening
Smear-ripened cheeses often develop quality problems such as odours and stickiness in the pre-packing stage. A new ripening method which involves wrapping the cheese in biodegradable fabric offers a solution. Trials conducted in commercial cheese dairies have confirmed this.
Further Potential for Reducing Crude Protein Content in Pig Fattening
A further reduction in the crude protein content of pig feed is challenging, but possible. This study shows that nitrogen utilisation efficiency can be improved and emissions reduced without compromising performance or meat quality.
Arable and Specialty Crops in Mountain Areas: from Forgotten Heritage to Resilience Strategy
Mountain and livestock farming are widely seen as closely linked. Yet climate risks, market pressures and societal change are limiting the strategic options available to many farms. Crop diversification can extend it in site-adapted ways.
Site-Adapted Agriculture: Where Arable Crops Can Be Produced Sustainably
Is Swiss agriculture adapted to local site conditions? Agroscope and the Federal Office for Agriculture evaluated three scenarios. In the most sustainable, the arable land surface is similar to the current surface, but some of this land is at different locations.
Reducing Copper Use in Viticulture: Combining Measures Delivers the Greatest Impact
Copper is widely used in Swiss viticulture—but is increasingly under pressure due to environmental risks. A new study by ETH Zurich shows how its use can be reduced. Which measures make the difference?
Agri-photovoltaics in the Canton of Zurich: Utilising Economic Potential, Managing Risks
Agri-photovoltaics can combine agriculture and electricity production in the canton of Zurich in a meaningful way. The feasibility study shows economic potential – but with site-dependent uncertainties and high planning and approval requirements.
When Are Battery Electric Tractors Economically Feasible?
A systematic literature review shows that battery electric tractors can be economically viable under specific conditions – especially with high annual usage, light-duty tasks, the integration of renewable energies, and a suitable policy framework.
Nitrogen Nutrition Begins in the Vineyard
The hot, dry years between 2021 and 2025 substantially reduced the yeast-assimilable nitrogen in the musts of Vaud wines – particularly in Chasselas – with direct impacts on fermentation and wine quality.
When is Horse Boarding Profitable? A Closer Look at Swiss Farms
Horse boarding is on the upswing. Efficiently organised work, suitable housing systems and biodiversity measures can help make this farm activity both profitable and environmentally beneficial.
Sampling Exhaled Air Instead of Blood: New Method for Measuring Energy Status of Dairy Cows
After calving, dairy cows often have an energy deficit and mobilise body fat, with consequences for health, animal welfare and performance. Agroscope researchers have now shown that cows’ energy status can also be measured from exhaled air.
Adaptable and High-Yielding: Multispecies Mixtures Make Sown Grasslands Climate-Change-Proof
Mixtures of several forage-plant species systematically increase yields with lower fertiliser input. Higher temperatures enhance the benefits of these mixtures, making them a key component of climate-change adaptation.
Agricultural Consultancy of the Future: Rethinking Value Chains
Effective agricultural extension services create new value chains and optimise existing ones. An inter-cantonal, cross-organisational project demonstrates how practical, strategic collaboration can make Swiss agriculture fit for the future.
Alternative Plant Protection in Arable and Vegetable Crops: Where Do Things Stand?
A recently published paper by Agroscope gives an overview of preventive measures and non-chemical methods of controlling weeds, diseases and pests in arable farming and field vegetable cultivation.
Drivers of Public Trust in Crop and Livestock Farmers and Policy Measures to Enhance it
A lack of trust in farmers can undermine a functional food system and lead to stricter regulations. A survey conducted in German-speaking Switzerland compared levels of trust in crop versus livestock farmers and identified key factors for a targeted agricultural policy.
Working Conditions in Agricultural Employment: Current Conditions and Ways Forward
Switzerland remains dependent on family farm labour, although non-family employment is increasing, and hiring difficulties are becoming more visible. This study analyses the working conditions of regular farm employees and identifies the factors of longer employment durations.
Sorting the meadow: Genetic methods to separate species and cultivars
Permanent grasslands consist of multiple species and cultivars, whose compositions change over time. Identifying such changes visually is laborious at species level and impossible at cultivar level. Two DNA-based methods were tested for this purpose.
Räuschling Clone Breeding: Expansion of Genetic Diversity by Four New Clones
Thanks to the selection of new clones, the ‘Räuschling’ grape variety has become more consistent in terms of cultivation and wine quality. Multi-year trials have shown that four new clones stabilise yield and quality and reduce the risk of both berry splitting and Botrytis (grey mould) infestation.
Food Side-Streams as an Underestimated Resource – a Literature Review
Along the food value chain, sizeable, hitherto-little-used side streams continue to accumulate. An Agroscope literature study shows that key questions on use and industrial valorisation remain unresolved.
New Direct Payment Scheme for Regional Biodiversity and Landscape Quality
The agglomeration bonus payments and the landscape quality payments are to be merged into a new payment scheme for regional biodiversity and landscape quality. This study evaluates the planned merger from the perspective of agricultural policy literature.
Plant-Plant Interactions Can Have a Positive Impact on Cropping Systems
Plant-plant interactions can contribute to yield security and resilience. The significance of these interactions in agriculture is contentious, not least of all because the mechanisms are largely unclear. This study summarises the current state of knowledge.
Carbon Footprints in Agriculture: Findings from Applied Research
Greenhouse gas accounting tools are important for quantifying reduction potentials and performance. Agroscope researchers conducted a review to analyse their potential applications. Considerable experience is needed to correctly interpret the results.
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.
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.
