Agroscope breeds forage crops for grassland-based livestock production. Ecotypes from natural meadows and pastures in Switzerland form the raw material for new varieties. We develop varieties that are ideally suited to current and even future (soil, climate and management) conditions in Switzerland. In addition, we breed competitive perennial forage plants that are resistant to major diseases, and which provide high-quality roughage. This means that Swiss farmers are provided with the most productive varieties of grass and clover for cultivation in ley mixtures.
Our breeding programme focuses on eleven different grass species and four clover species. In addition, Agroscope has also run a special breeding programme for the organic farming sector since 2004, thereby also guaranteeing the suitability of our varieties for organic agriculture.
