Agroscope’s 2026-2029 Work Programme addresses the most important challenges facing the Swiss agriculture and food sector, and agricultural practitioners in particular. It places a greater focus on impact and
practical benefits.
Research from field and barn to plate and back
The new Work Programme focuses on six interlinked core themes. Agroscope conducts cross-disciplinary research across the entire agriculture and food sector on these focus areas. The aim is to develop solutions for increasing the ecological, economic and social sustainability of the agriculture and food system.
Novel developments vis-à-vis the last Work Programme
Agroscope is strengthening research in the areas facing major challenges, such as climate-change adaptation, water efficiency, crop protection, particularly in vegetable and field crops, sustainable livestock production and reduction of nutrient losses. Since the aim is to improve the social and economic sustainability of agricultural production for farming families, research into cost-efficiency and value creation is also being expanded. The Swiss Parliament has also allocated additional funds for plant protection and plant breeding, which strengthens these particularly challenging subject areas with additional research projects.
Focus on impact and practical benefits
The motto ‘We research with and for farmers’ gains even greater importance in the new Work Programme. More systematically than before, the WP is designed for the benefit of and its impact on agricultural practice, without neglecting the basic research that is necessary for this. Each of the 42 research programmes addresses a specific topic as well as defining goals and expected impacts. The practical relevance of the projects and knowledge transfer are ensured by the strong involvement of stakeholders from agricultural practice, the Federal Administration, the agricultural extension and the Cantons.
Comprehensive assessment of needs
The Work Programme was developed via a structured process involving many sectors, associations, organisations and stakeholder groups within the agriculture and food sector. Around 70 organisations submitted over 650 proposals which were prioritised jointly. In addition, Agroscope took into account overarching strategies of the Swiss Federal Council, future visions for the agriculture and food sector, and changing social requirements.
Agroscope presents its Work Programme for 2026 to 2029
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Press release
Bern, 20.01.2026 — Safeguarding domestic food production, enabling farming families to earn a fair income and reducing the negative environmental impacts: these are important challenges facing the Swiss agriculture and food sector. With its new 2026-2029 Work Programme (WP), Agroscope aims to make a contribution to meeting these and further challenges, and to reducing the trade-offs of agricultural production.
Last modification 23.02.2026
