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Switzerland’s agtech sector is renowned for its world-class innovation and strong start-up ecosystem, driven by scientific talent and robust research institutions. However, the country faces challenges in scaling its agtech companies into global players due to cultural tendencies towards small business, a limited domestic market, and a lack of late-stage domestic funding, with most investment coming from abroad. Efforts are underway, such as new funding initiatives and collaborative projects, to address these barriers and help Swiss start-ups grow into global leaders, though significant change has yet to materialize.

The smallest U.S. herd in 75 years meets a pest problem years in the making

A new FAO-led study warns that global antibiotic use in livestock could rise by nearly 30% by 2040 but finds that improving productivity could cut this use by up to 57%. Amid growing pressure to reduce antimicrobial resistance, the livestock sector is increasingly investing in innovations such as bacteriophage therapies, monoclonal antibodies, precise diagnostics, and eubiotics to boost animal health and reduce antibiotic reliance. Major industry players are shifting towards prevention-led approaches and data-driven management, with initiatives like FAO’s RENOFARM supporting this transition. The study underscores that enhancing productivity is now central not only to economic growth but also to achieving sustainability and AMR reduction targets.