A focus map created by Agroscope, ETH Zürich and the University of Lausanne shows where biodiversity measures could have a positive impact on birds, and where not. These findings will contribute towards planning land use more effectively.
Meat quality is influenced by many animal-related factors. An Agroscope study shows that intensive grazing on smaller paddocks with a corresponding frequent change of paddocks and contact with humans is positively associated with meat quality.
The combination of competition by forage plants and herbivory by native root-boring moth larvae can significantly reduce the growth of small broad-leaved dock plants in permanent grasslands.
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,…
A formidable disease of grapevine, flavescence dorée continues to spread in Switzerland. The most recent knowledge acquired in Ticino allows us to better understand the role played in the risk of infection by gone-wild grapevines in woodlands around vineyards.
A survey conducted by the Experimental Station for Viticulture and Oenology has furthered our understanding of nitrogen nutrition management practices in the vineyard and wine cellar for the Chasselas and Petite Arvine grape varieties in the Valais, highlighting potential avenues for improvement. In 2023, a questionnaire was sent to the producers of the Vitival network…
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 study conducted by Agroscope in collaboration with IP-Suisse, DSP and FFB-Group shows that wheat variety mixtures generally perform better and are more stable than varieties grown in pure stands. Recommendations are made for practical applications.
For the milk production systems in Switzerland, the weights of the traits in the total breeding value are derived using a new method that takes into account not only the revenue but also the direct costs.
The results of the 2023 beef quality survey have been released. They show that the quality of Swiss meat overall is highly satisfactory, in terms of nutrition as well as technological and sensorial aspects.
Agroscope researchers conducted a literature review to summarise which measures are most effective in reducing food waste. Their findings contribute to better identification and implementation of effective interventions.
The green alder encroachment of summer pastures reduces biodiversity, forage quality, and landscape attractiveness. Goat grazing can help limit this process and restore pasture vegetation.
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.
Steering levies can change consumer behaviour. An Agroscope study focusing on a sustainability levy on food showed that social sustainability and animal welfare levies are most likely to meet with acceptance.
A new model for predicting herbage biomass in pastures uses UAV-based image data and machine learning. The method promises greater accuracy and flexibility compared to conventional measurement methods.
A site specific nitrogen fertilisation requirement can be calculated with the help of the ‘corrected norms’ method. The method was applied and evaluated in the AgroCO2ncept project in the Zurich Wine Country, where it demonstrated substantial nitrogen-saving potential.
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.
In the PestiRed project, farmers test agroecological measures for reducing the use of chemical plant-protection products. Agroscope identified and characterised the weed flora of wheat, barley and oilseed rape.
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.
The intensification of agriculture has greatly changed Europe's agroecosystems, with major implications for biodiversity. An overview study by Agroscope and the Swiss Ornithological Institute identifies the most important areas for future research with a view to minimising the uncertainties of currently available knowledge.
To prevent biodiversity decline, Swiss farms are implementing 19.3% of their utilised agricultural area as ecological focus areas (EFA). It appears that organic farms implement considerably more and qualitatively better EFAs than do PEP farms.
An Agroscope study shows that Swiss farmers have different soil management priorities. Considering these may increase the effectiveness of information and policy measures to promote sustainable soil management.
The microbial composition of the sourdough culture defines the character of the bread baked from it. A sourdough can increase the health-promoting characteristics of bread when combined with specific types of flour and suitable processing parameters.
Fast-growing Westerwold ryegrass delivers valuable high yields on annual temporary leys and in forage intercropping. Based on the most recent variety trials, Agroscope can now recommend three new multi-cut varieties and earmark a single-cut variety for recommendation.
Swiss farms must decide on the extent to which they produce agricultural goods and provide biodiversity services. Agroscope has analysed and typified the diversity of farm-level land-use patterns.
