Introduction
Definitions and data
Definitions
Data
Chapter 1. Importance of the grassland area and grassland-based systems in Europe and their spatial distribution
Present acreage of grasslands and annual forage crops in Europe
Spatial distribution
Grasslands in organic farming
Changes in grassland acreage in Europe
Biomass productivity from permanent and temporary grasslands
Chapter 2. Importance and changes in grazing animal production operations in Europe and their spatial distribution
Herbivore herds in Europe
Animal production
Changes in livestock populations
Changes in animal production and animal performance
Chapter 3. Importance and changes in grassland-based systems
Farm types
Changes in the number of animal holdings
Interviews with farmers and interactions between farmers and research
Chapter 4. Grasslands for alternative production
Energy production
Green biorefi nery and biochemicals production
Chapter 5. Grasslands and ecosystem services
Introduction
Environmental issues related to grasslands
Grassland-based biodiversity issues
Landscape related issues
National case studies
Chapter 6. Grasslands in the economic supply chain: related industries
Forage seed industry
Interview with Beat Boller, Chairman of Eucarpia and senior forage breeder at Agroscope, Switzerland
Chapter 7. Common Agricultural Policy: brief history, structure and infl uence on grasslands
History
The two pillars of the CAP
Obligation of maintenance of the permanent grassland area
Agri-environmental scheme
Less Favoured Areas
Consequences of the abolition of the milk quotas
Other policies
CAP effect on grasslands and grassland farms
CAP: the way forward
Interview with Jean-François Louineau, Director of Administrative Services, Regional Council, Poitou-Charentes, France
Conclusions
Changes in the structure of the grassland area and grassland-based systems
Changes in production processes
Changes in the structure of animal production
Effect of scientifi c research, public and private farmer’s advisory services
Effect of professional teaching
Sociological driving forces
Economic driving forces
Political driving forces
References
Annex 1
