Agricultural research
Agricultural research supports agriculture in the production of healthy foodstuffs, the sustainable use of resources and the preservation of the landscape. Agricultural research makes an active contribution by providing the decision-making aids needed to develop and implement agricultural policy.
The aim of agricultural research
Knowledge is a key factor in the competitiveness of agriculture. Society expects a great deal from the agricultural sector as a producer of foodstuffs, a user of natural resources and the main economic sector shaping the landscape. Agriculture must therefore be able to rely on independent, socially useful research, in close cooperation with extension services.
Support for research
The Confederation supports farmers in their efforts to achieve rational, sustainable production, by contributing to the acquisition and transmission of knowledge. To this end, it most notably operates the Agroscope agricultural research institute, which is subordinate to the FOAG. The FOAG can also support research institutions, in particular the FiBL.
On request, the FOAG can issue mandates or award grants to public or private institutions for research projects in line with the aims and priorities of the Confederation's agricultural research.
Financing research projects
Research mandate
The FOAG defines the problems and questions to be addressed, as well as the objectives of projects which fall within the scope of a research mandate. These mandates are generally in the field of applied research, and tend to meet the immediate needs of administration and practice. Emphasis is placed on the establishment of regulatory provisions, on issues relating to the application of legislation, or on technological aspects.
Research contributions
Research contributions benefit research projects that are geared towards the FOAG's objectives, even if they have not been conceived and developed within the Office. They tend to cover applied basic research, which generally serves the interests of society as a whole and of sustainable development. These are often ecological, economic and socio-cultural issues and projects.
For more details on how to apply for a contribution for a research project visit the page «Soupport for research projets».
Strategic objectives
The allocation of priority research mandates or the granting of contributions for research projects are in line with the following strategic objectives:
- Lay the foundations for agricultural policy decisions
- Stimulate competitiveness in the knowledge and innovation system
- Support transdisciplinary, practice-oriented research projects
- Maintain long-term research cooperation
- Create international networks
Research concept 2025-2028
The Federal Council commissioned the Federal Office for Agriculture FOAG to present a research concept for research on agriculture policy as part of the Dispatch on the Promotion of Education, Research and Innovation for the period 2025–2028. The plan is based on the challenges facing the world and Switzerland, and sets the framework for FOAG's research in this sector over the next few years. The axes of the report «The future direction of agricultural policy» are considered to be the focus of sectoral research for the coming years.
Further information
The FOAG provides a reduced English-language version of its website that does not include all further information such as documents, legislation or links. These can be found on the pages in the three official languages (German, French and Italian).
Index
Related topics
Support for research projects
The FOAG may, on request, grant financial assistance to public or private institutions for research projects that are in line with the federal government’s agronomic research goals and priorities.
Research promotion and international networks
The Federal Office for Agriculture (FOAG) is involved in various networks and commissions. This allows synergies to be exploited, redundancies avoided and information shared.
Contact for questions
Fachbereich Forschung, Beratung und Innovation
Schwarzenburgstrasse 165
Switzerland - 3003 Bern