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AGP - Grasslands, Rangelands and Forage Crops
 

Current figures estimate that 26% of the world land area and 70% of the world agricultural area are covered by grasslands, which contribute to the livelihoods of over 800 million people. They are an important feed source for livestock, a habitat for wildlife, provide environmental protection, storage of carbon and water and in situ conservation of plant genetic resources. The rapid increase in population, coupled with the effects of climate change, has enhanced pressure on the world’s grasslands, particularly in arid and semi-arid environments, and portions of grasslands on every continent are suffering from degradation.

Typology of Grasslands

 

New Publications

Meetings

Celebrating Diversity: People, Place and Purpose
Australian Rangeland Society 17th Biennial Conference, Kununurra, Western Australia, 23-27 September 2012

To receive a copy of the proceedings from IX International Rangeland Congress -Diverse Rangelands for a Sustainable Society - held in Rosario, Argentina, April 2 to 8, 2011 on CD-Rom please contact Suzanne Redfern


An International Terminology for Grazing Lands and Grazing Animals has been published by the International Forage and Grazing Lands Terminology Committee. It's objective is to develop a consensus of terms and definitions to ensure clear international communication regarding grazing lands and grazing animals.

Terms included have relevance to both domesticated and wild grazing animals. It is intended that these terms enhance communication in education, science, industry and production and that they become the standard for use in publications.

Please click here for free access to Terminology at Wiley Online Library

Are grasslands under threat?
According to FAOSTAT the area under Pasture and Fodder Crops has decreased in Africa and South America. Large grassland areas have been destroyed or converted into agricultural land during the last 30 years. [more...]

 

Core Themes