Mountain livestock farming based on permanent grasslands makes very little use of mineral fertilizers and pesticides. In the absence of tillage, it preserves soil life. It also contributes to conserving grassland plant biodiversity through low frequency of grazing, mowing and essentially organic fertilization. In this respect, it represents an agroecological model of agricultural production.

The heterogeneity of the landscape (altitude, slope, soil, etc.), combined with the diversity of farmer practices, lead to a highly diversified vegetation. Breeding practices rely only on grazing, mowing and organic fertilization to enhance and maintain this diversity between fields. The most productive fields, usually the gently sloping ones close to farm buildings, are often mowed and manured several times a year. Other, less accessible fields have later vegetation and are mowed only once a year or are only grazed. While productivity is the goal for some grasslands, others with less soil-climate potential provide late resources or use flexibility, two essential features for regulating feed provision and quality over an annual cycle. At the farm scale, grass productivity is lower than in cultivated systems which increase and secure production by introducing selected cultivars and mineral fertilizer.

Breeders prefer hardy breeds adapted to local conditions (movement ability, robustness against harsh climate conditions, variations in diet, etc.) to graze on such permanent grasslands. Their productivity is lower, but their ability to make the most of diversified vegetation allows breeders to lower their herd feeding costs “by making with what nature is willing to provide.”

Livestock farming systems based on permanent grasslands provide several ecosystem services to society (biodiversity conservation, carbon storage, …), as well as products beneficial to human health. Mainly located in mountainous areas, these farming systems are often promoted by official quality labels. Their low productivity is compensated by controlling production costs (maximization of grazing, limitation of inputs, …). Their extension in a perspective of agroecological transition towards less constrained environments (piedmonts, wetlands, etc.) can only be envisaged if there is good valuation of products or payment for environmental services.