Stakeholders' reguirements and expectations with respect to multi-functionality of grasslands in Europe

The European project Multisward aims to increase reliance on grasslands and on multi-species swards for competitive and sustainable ruminant production systems. This contributes to food security and enhanced environmental goods. As part of Multisward, an inventory was made of requirements and expectations of stakeholders with respect to the multi-functionality of grasslands in EU countries. The traditional foursome of primary producer, policy maker, research and advice were identified as the most important stakeholders, followed by non-governmental organisations (NGOs) (nature, environment), education and industry. A first international stakeholder consultation revealed the appreciation of current and future functions of grasslands in Europe. In general the economic functions of grasslands, mainly feed for herbivores, were considered the most important. Stakeholders expected this to remain unchanged in future. Environmental functions of grasslands were placed second: water quality and quantity, adaptation to climate change, mitigation and biodiversity. Finally, social services were mentioned