How can the environmental impact of our food be reduced? Agroscope calculated that the environmental impact can be improved if food is imported from countries of origin with especially environmentally friendly agricultural production systems.

Soils possess great potential for sequestering CO2 from the atmosphere in the form of carbon, and thus for mitigating global warming. Agroscope researchers have now shown that in extensive cultivation systems, significantly more carbon enters the soil via plant roots than previously assumed.

Harnessing the forces of nature and agricultural practice in all its variety - that is diversification.

In an in-depth study, Agroscope analysed the possible environmental impacts of implementing the Drinking-Water Initiative. The life-cycle assessment shows that pesticide and nutrient pollution of Swiss water bodies and groundwater could be reduced.

To control pests without pesticides, genetically modified organisms of the same species could be used. The latter carry a gene that is passed on with above-average frequency via sexual reproduction.

Our soils filter drinking water and produces food. Soils only carry out these services, because they harbour thousands fungal and bacteria species which work together like the wheels in a clock mechanism.

Zurich-Reckenholz, 24.09.2019 - Increasing mechanisation in agriculture has two sides: on the one hand, it makes many field operations easier for farmers. On the other hand, more power and performance also mean larger and heavier agricultural vehicles.

Swiss milk producers can boost their income and productivity with agrotourism. By contrast, the productivity of direct marketers is considerably lower.

Seed treatments aim to protect germinating crops from diseases. In collaboration with the agricultural cooperative fenaco, Agroscope examined thermal methods using steam and warm water, among others, for the treatment of cereal seed.

Lutz Merbold will be heading the 'Agroecology and Environment' Strategic Research Division at Agroscope from 1 October 2020.

What stresses wild bees? Is it certain plant-protection products, the absence of nutrient-rich foods - or a combination of both factors? Together with research partners throughout Europe, Agroscope is investigating these issues.

The Biosafety Research Group at Agroscope has conducted a review of the literature on genetically modified plants that produce several insect-active Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) toxins simultaneously.

Dr. Joël Bérard will be taking the reins of the 'Animal Production Systems and Animal Health' Strategic Research Division at Agroscope. In this capacity he will become a member of the Executive Board.

Every day, we choose the food we eat and influence our health, whether consciously or not. This link between diet and health is a core concern of nutritional scientists, who met in Bern from 7 to 12 September 2019 for the 16th annual conference of the NuGO nutrigenomics association.