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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.

Agroscope, ZHAW

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.

Plant production 16.05.25

An Agroscope study shows that pre-flowering removal of the main leaves instead of the lateral shoots appears to be a viable practice with a moderate effect on both yield potential and must composition.

Animal production 15.05.25

How to verify grassland-based feeding? An approach based on machine learning and milk mid-infrared (MIR) spectra acquired from routine milk quality testing may be the answer.

BFH-HAFL, ETH Zurich, Utrecht University

Agricultural economics 14.05.25

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.

Agroscope, University of Bern

Agricultural economics 13.05.25

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.

Agroscope, University of Bern

Environment 12.05.25

To reduce the use of herbicides to control track-side vegetation, the Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) commissioned Agroscope and HEPIA to develop a low-growing plant mix for the track area.

Agroscope, HEPIA

Agricultural economics 08.05.25

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.

Animal production 06.05.25

Standard values for livestock feed intake and excretion are essential for proper farm fertilisation planning and assessment of the farm’s nutrient balance. Agroscope adjusted the standard values for goats with the aim of improving nutrient-flow assessment.

Environment 30.04.25

Agroscope has compiled a new map of Switzerland’s organic soils, which forms the basis for developing a strategy for managing these soils.

Environment 28.04.25

An Agroscope study shows that the Suisse-Bilanz nutrient-balance calculation tool could serve as an environmental indicator for sustainable nutrient use – but only for phosphorus, not for nitrogen.

Animal production 24.04.25

Commercial poultry farming has grown considerably in recent years. This study aims to analyse its protein supply and identify potential for optimising phosphorus utilisation and feed efficiency.

BFH-HAFL, Aviforum

Agricultural economics 23.04.25

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.

Animal production 22.04.25

Standard values for livestock feed intake and excretion are essential for proper farm fertilisation planning and assessment of the farm’s nutrient balance. Agroscope adjusted the standard values for sheep with the aim of improving nutrient-flow assessment.

Food 17.04.25

The influence of horn status and the genetic variant of the (A1/A2) β-Casein milk protein on milk quality and digestion is the subject of much debate. This study shows that the milk of cows with a genetic difference in β-Casein is digested slightly differently in the human stomach, but that horn status has no effect in this regard.

Agroscope, FiBL, Qualitas AG, 6300 Zug

Plant production 15.04.25

Foliar fertilisation around veraison improves grape nitrogen levels without affecting vigour. A trial shows that the fertilisers ‘Safe N 300’ and ‘Folur’ effectively increase assimilable nitrogen in the grape must; however, their degree of effectiveness depends on climatic conditions.

Agricultural economics 11.04.25

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