Agroscope breeds forage crops for grassland-based animal production. Ecotypes from Swiss permanent meadows and pastures form the base material for new varieties. The use of native plant populations enables us to develop varieties that are very well adapted to soil, climate and management conditions in Switzerland. We also aim to breed highly competitive perennial forage plants that are resistant to major diseases and provide high-quality roughage. In this way, Swiss farmers obtain the most productive varieties of grasses and clovers for cultivation in temporary grass clover mixtures. Our breeding programme covers eleven different grass species and four clover species.