Farmers' needs and challenges in Swiss rangeland grazing systems
A workshop in Switzerland brought together 21 participants (farmers, advisors, researchers, veterinarians, and representatives of agricultural organisations) to identify needs and challenges related to the adoption of digital technologies in rangeland systems. Regarding how to improve practices and management of extensive livestock farming systems, participants expressed the wish for a tool connecting grass growth with weather data. Another key challenge identified was parasite transmission between different livestock herds as well as wildlife and the need for earlier disease detection. The second topic discussed was how to facilitate the use and sharing of grazing land among different stakeholders. Participants emphasised the need for better communication and coordination between farmers and other actors to improve mutual understanding and reduce conflicts. The third topic focused on the development and promotion of products and services. Participants noted that grazing is taken for granted by Swiss consumers. Rangeland products are difficult to differentiate from other products due to the complex labelling system leading to low consumer awareness and limited willingness to pay extra. Participants expressed a need for greater transparency regarding the extent of grazing, clearer communication of grazing benefits as well as a simpler, more automated documentation of grazing activities. Finally, participants identified key barriers to the adoption of digital technologies, including high costs, poor network coverage, limited accuracy, and a lack of integration between systems. In addition, many technologies were seen as insufficiently adapted to Swiss conditions.
Additional information
The DIGI-Rangeland project brings together partners from 10 countries, coordinating national networks (France, Romania, Greece, Spain, Slovenia, Bulgaria, Iceland, Norway, the United Kingdom, and Switzerland), and also disseminating its knowledge within the Balkan network with its Croatian partner. Consult our publications and documents on the project website: https://digirangeland.eu
DIGItal innovation and data technology network for RANGELAND livestock farming systems
Ongoing | 2025-2029
- Main funding source
- Horizon Europe (EU Research and Innovation Programme)
- Geographical location
- France, Romania, Greece, Spain, Croatia, Slovenia, Bulgaria, Iceland, Norway, United kingdom, Switzerland