Forage plants, which cover one third of the arable land in Sweden, are important for maintaining a biodiverse landscape and as feed for cattle, sheep, and horses. The long, moderately hot days of summer result in forage with a high nutritional value for live stock. Sweden has large areas (approx. 500,000 ha) of seminatural grasslands that are among its most species-rich habitats, harbour many rare species and have significant historical and cultural values.
The theme of ‘EGF 2008’ will be
Biodiversity and animal feed – future challenges for grassland production
and will include a number of different perspectives, such as
- The grassland landscape as a base for animal production – present, past and future
- Biodiversity and productivity in grasslands – strategies and limitations
- Forage as part of the food chain
- Efficient resource utilisation for sustainable conventional and organic grassland production
- Grassland-based production in Europe – pathways for future success
The programme will offer plenary, parallel and poster sessions as well as mid-conference tours. Master Classes will be organised for young scientists. A major multidisciplinary Swedish research programme ‘Management of Seminatural Grasslands – Economy and Biodiversity (HagmarksMistra)’ will present final reports during the meeting.
The Accompanying Persons Programme and the Social Events will include an exciting variety of experiences in Uppsala and in Stockholm. There will be Pre- and Post-conference Tours before and after the conference.
Göran Dalin
President of the Organising Committee