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