EIP-AGRI Focus Group on Profitability of Permanent Grassland: Starting Paper

This paper aims at presenting the questions to be dealt with by the focus group on Profitability of Permanent Grassland. It also proposes a structure to collect information and introduces some preliminary ideas to feed the discussion. The paper has three main sections. The first one explains the main objectives and tasks of the focus group. Secondly, the basic concepts and main figures of permanent grasslands in Europe are outlined. Finally, a framework for analysis to be used in the focus group is proposed and a preliminary reflection on farming systems and management practices is presented with regard to productivity, biodiversity and carbon sequestration as well as animal health & welfare and product quality.