This peer-reviewed article extends Switzerland’s national farm-gate nutrient balance to a full food-system balance, incorporating imports, food consumption, and waste streams. Through scenario modelling (business as usual, improved nutrient management, food waste reduction, circular agriculture, and combinations thereof), the authors quantify reduction potentials for nitrogen and phosphorus surpluses both domestically and abroad.
Relevance for agriculture for development:
The study demonstrates how consumption patterns and feed imports generate nutrient externalities beyond national borders—an issue highly relevant for low- and middle-income countries supplying agricultural commodities. The systemic modelling approach offers transferable insights for designing nutrient governance strategies, improving resource-use efficiency, strengthening circularity, and aligning agricultural production with environmental sustainability in development contexts.