In the context of environmental sustainability and use of natural resources, livestock production systems show a considerable diversity, reflecting the different agricultural areas and permanent grasslands. A transition from linear to circular production models is essential to meet environmental targets and a better use of natural resources. Since 2008, the environmental targets for Swiss agriculture focused on preserving and promoting biodiversity, regional landscapes and adequate water corridors, while reducing greenhouse gas emissions and nitrogen losses. The agroecological objectives for improving the sustainability of Swiss agriculture are based on maintaining herbage-based production in grass-based milk and meat production (GMM), protecting and maintaining permanent grasslands, foster the value of grass/legume leys in crops rotations, integrated production methods such as agroforestry, and using alternative sources of animal feed such as by-products and former foodstuffs. Side-adapted production in Switzerland focuses on resource-efficient agriculture that exploits site-specific potential for food and feed production within the carrying capacity of ecosystems. Key benefits include: sustainable production, ecosystem conservation and economic stability. In conclusion, Switzerland and the world as a whole need to move from linear to circular production models in an agroecological context. Political support is essential to promote these models.
