Agroscope to Cut 58 Full-Time Positions
Translated from French, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Agroscope, Switzerland's agricultural research center, will eliminate 58 full-time positions starting in 2027.
- The cuts are part of a cost-saving measure, leading the center to abandon research in areas like healthy food and novel foods.
- Agroscope will continue research in primary production, environmental impacts, policy advice, and legal tasks.
Switzerland's federal agricultural research center, Agroscope, announced it will eliminate 58 full-time positions starting in 2027 as part of a cost-saving initiative. The Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research confirmed the decision on Tuesday.
These measures stem from a need for Agroscope to reduce its operating costs. Consequently, the center will cease research activities in specific areas, including healthy food and novel foods, to streamline its focus. This strategic shift aims to optimize resource allocation within the confederation's agronomic competence center.
Despite the reductions, Agroscope will maintain its core research functions. The center will continue to conduct research on primary agricultural production, assess the environmental impacts of farming practices, provide policy advice, and fulfill legal execution tasks. These continued efforts underscore Agroscope's commitment to essential agricultural science and policy support.
Originally published by Le Temps in French. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.