Summary
Agroscope has adopted its new work programme 2026–2029 and is focusing more strongly on direct benefits for agricultural practice. The research institute is addressing six linked priority themes across 42 research programmes and approximately 360 projects. Key areas include climate change adaptation, plant protection, plant breeding, and economic sustainability. The programme was developed through a structured process involving approximately 70 organisations that submitted over 650 requests.
People & Institutions
- Agroscope – Swiss agricultural research institute
- Federal Council – Strategic direction
- Agroscope Council – Advisory body
Topics
- Competitive food production
- Agriculture in the face of climate change
- Protection of natural resources
- Agroecological production systems
- Sustainable livestock farming
- Healthy and sustainable nutrition
Detailed Summary
The work programme addresses central challenges facing Swiss agriculture and the food economy: securing domestic food production, ensuring fair incomes for farming families, and reducing negative environmental impacts. Research pursues a holistic approach "from field and stable to plate and back" to reduce conflicts of interest in agricultural production.
The new programme deliberately strengthens research areas facing major challenges: climate change adaptation, water efficiency, crop protection in vegetable and arable farming, sustainable animal production, and nutrient loss reduction. Parliament has approved additional financial resources for plant protection and plant breeding, reinforcing these critical topics.
The core principle is alignment with impact and practical benefit. Each of the 42 research programmes defines specific objectives and expected impacts. Practical relevance is ensured through intensive involvement of stakeholders from practice, federal administration, advisory services, and cantons – without neglecting basic research.
Programme development was based on comprehensive needs assessment: approximately 70 organisations submitted over 650 requests, which were jointly prioritised. Agroscope also took into account overarching Federal Council strategies, future visions, and societal requirements. The Agroscope Council, an advisory body comprising representatives from administration, science, and practice, positively acknowledges and supports the contents.
Key Messages
- Six linked priority themes structure 42 research programmes and approximately 360 projects
- Enhanced focus on climate change adaptation, plant protection, and economic sustainability
- Practice orientation as guiding principle: research with and for farming families
- Broad stakeholder involvement: 70 organisations with 650 submissions
- Holistic systems approach for ecologically, economically, and socially sustainable agricultural and food systems
Stakeholders & Affected Parties
| Group | Role |
|---|---|
| Farming families | Benefit from practice-oriented research and economic stability |
| Agroscope | Implements research programmes and knowledge transfer |
| Federal Council & Cantons | Strategic direction and funding provision |
| Industry associations | Co-design through needs assessment |
| Consumers | Benefit from sustainable, healthy nutrition |
| Environment | Reduction of negative impacts through sustainable production |
Opportunities & Risks
| Opportunities | Risks |
|---|---|
| Improved adaptation to climate change | Implementation gap between research and practice |
| Increased profitability for farms | Insufficient funding for individual priorities |
| Resource conservation through research | Fragmentation across 360 projects |
| Innovations in plant protection & breeding | Time delays until practical application |
| Legitimacy through broad stakeholder participation | Conflicts of interest between actors |
Relevance for Action
Relevant for decision-makers:
- Monitor implementation: Track whether the 360 projects actually achieve practical impact
- Ensure financial continuity: Additional resources for plant protection and breeding must be sustained
- Accelerate knowledge transfer: Establish mechanisms for faster transfer of research results to practice
- Continue stakeholder dialogue: Regular feedback with the 70 participating organisations
- Climate adaptation roadmap: Define concrete milestones for research results in this area
Quality Assurance & Fact-Checking
- [x] Central statements and figures verified
- [x] Programme contents verified from press release
- [x] Stakeholder process documented
- [ ] ⚠️ Programme budget volume not specified
- [ ] ⚠️ Specific research projects not named
Additional Research
Agroscope website: Detailed project descriptions and research results
→ https://www.agroscope.admin.chFederal Office of Agriculture (FOAG): Agricultural policy strategies and funding figures
→ https://www.blw.admin.chIndustry reports: Swiss Farmers' Union and agricultural associations for practitioner perspectives
Sources
Primary Source:
Agroscope press release – "From field and stable to plate: Agroscope aligns its new work programme more strongly with impact and practical benefit" (20 January 2026)
https://www.news.admin.ch/de/newnsb/w_L0ZUSprI-C6An9KyHZh
Supplementary Sources:
- Agroscope Work Programme 2026–2029 (PDF document)
- Agroscope Council: Advisory body and support process
- Federal Council strategies on agriculture and nutrition
Verification Status: ✓ Facts checked on 20.01.2026
This text was created with the support of Claude.
Editorial responsibility: clarus.news | Fact-checking: 20.01.2026