Agroscope, the Swiss federal research institute for the agri-food sector, is undergoing a reorganisation. From 1 January 2014, Agroscope will run four institutes, each with its own head. Agroscope’s new Executive Board consists of Agroscope CEO Michael Gysi, together with the Head of the Resources Unit Christine Grivel Niklaus and the Heads of the four Institutes. Jean-Philippe Mayor, Head of the Institute for Plant Production Sciences, is serving as Deputy and Head of Corporate Communication. Paul Steffen, Head of the Institute for Sustainability Sciences, has been appointed Head of Corporate Research. Daniel Guidon runs the Institute for Livestock Sciences and Hans-Peter Bachmann the Institute for Food Sciences. Further details can be gleaned from the organisation chart.

Agroscope is affiliated with the Federal Office for Agriculture. The strategic orientation of Agroscope is now determined by the new Agroscope Council. The key tasks remain the same, but have been more clearly defined: (1) Research and development for the agri-food sector; (2) Policy advice for government agencies; and (3) Enforcement tasks in accordance with statutory provisions. These three primary functions enable numerous synergies, and position Agroscope as a bridge-builder between basic and applied research.

Recently approved by the Swiss Federal Council, the four-year performance mandate describes the services the institutes are expected to perform. These are concretised in one-year performance agreements with the institutes.

From 2014 onwards, Agroscope’s research will be based on the following six thematic priorities representing the challenges currently faced by the agri-food sector: (1) Ecological intensification; (2) Safeguarding natural resources; (3) Challenge of climate change; (4) High-quality food; (5) Improved competitiveness; (6) Vital and attractive rural areas.

Advance notice:
Agroscope media event on 27 January 2014 from 2.30 – 3.30 pm in Liebefeld, Bern, Switzerland

New Organisation and Performance Mandate for Agroscope Approved