Empowering farmers to conserve grassland's genetic diversity in situ

The genetic diversity of grassland species is increasingly at risk due to agricultural intensification, habitat fragmentation, and climate change, which increase the vulnerability of ecosystems to pests and diseases. Protecting this diversity is critical for the resilience of agricultural systems, yet current agri-environmental schemes often struggle to halt genetic erosion. Their effectiveness depends not only on policy design but also on farmers’ willingness and motivation to participate. This study investigates the factors shaping farmers’ participation in a newly established voluntary scheme in Switzerland, the “ in situ program,” which aims to conserve the genetic diversity of fodder plants and their wild relatives on semi-intensive grasslands. Drawing on national eco-geographical data combined with an online farmer survey, we analysed participation patterns through the lens of the Theory of Planned Behaviour. Our results show that participating farms are typically larger, located at higher altitudes, and more likely to hold organic certification. Beyond structural factors, voluntary participation fostered intrinsic motivation and enhanced farmers’ appreciation of their role in conserving agrobiodiversity. We conclude that successful agro-environmental policies must recognize farmers as active custodians of genetic resources and support their engagement through schemes that combine ecological objectives with the values and motivations of farming communities. • Conservation of genetic diversity on agricultural land is challenging. • A dedicated AES program to conserve grassland in situ was developed. • Highland, big and organic farms are more likely to participate in the in situ program. • Farmer's motivations often reflect their integration into the policy complex.