Hand-over of keys to Agroscope’s new laboratory building in Posieux: a milestone for the national research campus
Posieux, 14.08.2026 — On Friday 14 August 2026 the canton of Fribourg officially handed over the keys to Agroscope’s new laboratory building in Posieux to the Swiss Confederation. The ceremony was attended by President of the Swiss Confederation Guy Parmelin and delegations from the Fribourg State Council and the Agroscope executive board as well as the Federal Offices for Agriculture (FOAG) and Buildings and Logistics (FOBL). Thus the centrepiece of Agroscope’s new site strategy is now ready for use.
This hand-over marks the completion of a strategic project that was conducted in close cooperation between the canton of Fribourg, the FOBL and Agroscope. The canton constructed the building on a plot belonging to the Confederation. Initially, the Confederation will lease the building before eventually taking possession on expiry of the building rights contract.
Modern infrastructure for agricultural research
The 11,000 m² floorspace includes 7,700 m² of highly specialised laboratories and 3,300 m² of cutting-edge technical equipment designed to meet the current and future needs of agricultural research. The building incorporates laboratories for chemical and biological analysis, an experimental cheese dairy, biotechnical facilities and extensive energy and digital infrastructure.
The laboratory building was designed according to the minimum energy performance standard and the principles of sustainable construction in Switzerland and has photovoltaic modules covering large areas of its roof. The construction costs of the building amount to approximately CHF 125 million.
Milestone for the canton of Fribourg and Agroscope
This hand-over of keys is a major milestone in the implementation of Agroscope’s site strategy. Focussing the bulk of laboratory activities and research technologies in Posieux enables Agroscope to reduce the costs of operating and maintaining laboratory infrastructure. Once the various sites have relocated to Posieux – to the laboratory building and the admin building, which is still to be refurbished – the new central campus will be home to around 420 Agroscope employees. This will consolidate the role of the canton of Fribourg as a national centre for agricultural and food research with two neighbouring institutions – Grangeneuve (cantonal) and Agroscope (federal).
Guided tours of the building were available to members of the public after the opening celebrations. Employees will gradually start to move in from the end of August 2026.
Images
Photos of the official hand-over of keys:
