Grasslands cover about 25% of the world surface and contribute to the livelihoods of over 800 million people including many poor smallholders.
Grasslands are a source of goods and services such as food and forage, energy and wildlife habitat. They also provide carbon and water storage, recreation, and watershed protection for many major river systems. Grasslands are important for in situ conservation of genetic resources. Out of a total of 10 000 species, only 100-150 forage species have been cultivated, but many more hold potential for sustainable agriculture.

Pastures are the basic feed resources for livestock worldwide and in humid area mixed farming systems supply over 90% of the milk, 70% of sheep and goat meat, and 35% of beef.

Integration of crops and pasture systems are a vital source of income and diversification for the many farmers who live in the humid and sub-humid regions of the world. Environmental issues have renewed the interest in integrated crop-livestock systems, as these can change positively the biophysical and socio-economic dynamics of farming systems. Systems that integrate ruminant livestock and crops tend to be more sustainable because they provide opportunities for rotation diversity and perenniality, nutrient recycling and greater energy efficiency.

The AGPC Grasslands and Pasture programme contributes to the sustainable development of cropping systems and agriculture intensification worldwide. It promotes capacity building, knowledge and information sharing, development of national capacity and policies for the adoption of improved technologies.