The protection and use of biodiversity is one of the greatest challenges of the future. In this regard, agriculture assumes a key significance, since a productive agricultural sector and biodiversity are closely interrelated. Thus, agriculture is dependent upon intact agroecosystems, and in addition to production services also provides support services for the latter. Intact agroecosystems provide important ecosystem services, and contribute to the preservation of the species- and habitat diversity of the agricultural landscape. In reality, though, it is clear that the provision of these services is affected by intensive production, as well as by the abandonment of marginal land.
Agroscope monitors biodiversity in the agricultural landscape as a basis for developing strategies for the preservation of species- and habitat diversity according to the aims of the Swiss Confederation. This enables an assessment of the impact of biodiversity payments. Building on this, suggestions for improving the efficiency of ecological compensation are developed. Simultaneously, strategies are being developed to optimise ecosystem services such as pollination and the encouragement of beneficials, and thereby support agricultural production.