Published on 19 June 2025

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.

© Federal Office for Agriculture FOAG

Networks and committees

Switzerland's systems and challenges are similar to those of its geographical neighbours. Awareness of the latest scientific and technological advances beyond our borders allows us to combine our strengths, avoid duplication in research funding and innovate.

• OECD CRP (The Co-orperative Research Program, CRP)

  The Co-operative Research Programme (CRP) for Sustainable Agricultural and Food Systems was established in 1979. Its purpose is to strengthen scientific knowledge and provide relevant scientific data and advice to inform future policy decisions on the sustainable use of natural resources in the areas of agriculture, food, fisheries and forests. The programme facilitates international cooperation by sponsoring conferences and workshops and providing research fellowship grants in agriculture, food and fisheries or forests. There is an annual call for funding applications. Please visit the OECD CRP website for information about the next application window.

• PS SC2 (Societal Challenge 2 Programme Commitee)

  PC SC2 is an advisory group attached to the European Commission that contributes to the implementation of a programme dedicated to food safety, sustainable agriculture, marine and maritime research and the bioeconomy under the Horizon 2020 framework programme. The FOAG advised SERI as an expert in this committee. To find out more about how Switzerland participates in Horizon Europe projects, visit the SERI and Euresearch websites.

• SCAR (Standing Commitee on Agricultural Research)

  Launched for a second mandate in 2005, SCAR has become an authority in European agricultural and bioeconomic research. The body plays an important role in coordinating national research programmes and has helped shape an integrated European research area. The FOAG currently has observer status but plans to rejoin as a member from 2026.

European research

World-class research relies on international collaboration and the sharing of knowledge, equipment, experience and data. Participation in the European Research Framework Programmes enables Switzerland to join forces with the best institutes and SMEs in Europe to exploit synergies and create added value.

Co-funded partnerships

Co-funded partnerships are the “new” ERA-Nets. They are initiatives in which the European Union (EU) joins with public or private actors to coordinate or pool funding for specific research and innovation programmes.

• AGROECOLOGY

  This partnership aims to structure and support a network of living labs and research infrastructures that will accelerate the transition towards agroecology throughout Europe. It will provide spaces for long-term, site-specific, multi-stakeholder and real-life experimentation, and direction for research activities on agroecology at the European and national levels

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