How sustainable is the production of the Swiss agricultural sector? What measures would make it even more competitive and resource-saving? Agroscope investigates and develops agricultural production systems bearing in mind new technologies as well as economic, environmental and social factors. Agroscope provides tools and decision-making processes for safeguarding natural resources such as soil, water and biodiversity.
Sensor-controlled, automated processes are increasingly available for developing greater sustainability in agricultural production systems and for quality control. These so-called 'smart farming' systems offer potential for more efficient, emission-reducing and resource-saving production methods, as demonstrated by the Agroscope Sustainability Conference held at the Tänikon site on 19 January 2017.
Agriculture faces many challenges. In order to be sustainable, it must produce as efficiently as possible and, at the same time, preserve the natural resources and allow farmers to make a reasonable income. One of the many challenges is to use tailored flowering elements on the farm, which promote ecosystem services (pollination, pest control, etc.) in order to enable high-quality agricultural production and preserve biodiversity. The platform "Flowering Habitats" by Agroscope, FiBL, HAFL and SBV aims to help overcome this challenge.
