Agroscope

Agroscope

Agroscope   link
Location: Bern - Bern region
Schwarzenburgstrasse 161, 3097 Liebefeld

Discipline: Agronomy/Food Science
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Agroscope, the Swiss federal research institute for the agri-food sector, is undergoing a reorganisation. Since 1 January 2014, Agroscope will run four institutes:

  • Institute for Plant Production Sciences
  • Institute for Sustainability Sciences
  • Institute for Livestock Sciences
  • Institute for Food Sciences
Agroscope is affiliated with the Federal Office for Agriculture. The strategic orientation of Agroscope is now determined by the new Agroscope Council. The key tasks remain the same, but have been more clearly defined: (1) Research and development for the agri-food sector; (2) Policy advice for government agencies; and (3) Enforcement tasks in accordance with statutory provisions. These three primary functions enable numerous synergies, and position Agroscope as a bridge-builder between basic and applied research.

Since 2014 onwards, Agroscope’s research will be based on the following six thematic priorities representing the challenges currently faced by the agri-food sector: (1) Ecological intensification; (2) Safeguarding natural resources; (3) Challenge of climate change; (4) High-quality food; (5) Improved competitiveness; (6) Vital and attractive rural areas.

news.myScience

Agronomy / Food Science

Nutrient losses are a key topic for Swiss agriculture. Current Agroscope figures show that nitrogen and phosphorus losses have decreased by around 10 per cent since 2014/2016. Despite this, further efforts are needed to achieve the targets set by policy-makers. With a new series of factsheets, Agroscope is helping farmers improve nutrient efficiency and thereby reduce nutrient losses to the maximum extent possible.

Life Sciences - Agronomy

The invasive spotted-wing drosophila (SWD) is a devastating pest in berry, stone fruit and grape crops. A natural antagonist from the fruit fly-s area of origin in East Asia is now due to be released in Switzerland for the first time by Agroscope and CABI. The experimental releases in the Cantons of Jura and Ticino aim to clarify whether this parasitic wasp can become established in Switzerland to regulate the SWD population and reduce production losses.




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