Society Information

Grass and Forage Science is published on behalf of the British Grassland Society and the European Grassland Federation.


British Grassland Society

BGS is a membership organisation which acts as a communication forum, through events and publications, for the profitable and sustainable use of grass and forage.  It brings together all those with an active interest in the science and practice of grass and forage production and utilisation; research workers, farmers, advisers, teachers and technical members of the agricultural industry.

BGS is in contact with farmers through its affiliated local grassland societies across the United Kingdom.

The society has many active members abroad and is also a member of the European Grassland Federation.

The objectives of BGS are:

  • The improvement of economic methods of production and utilisation of grass and forage crops for the promotion of profitable agriculture.
  • The advancement of education and research in grass and forage crop production and utilisation. Publication of the results of relevant research to an international audience via a quarterly journal and academic symposia.
  • Interpretation of research and active communication of improved methods of production and utilisation to the farming community.
  • Promotion of grassland farming as an example of sustainable agriculture, which is environmentally benign and visually attractive, for the public benefit.
  • Representing members’ interests to Government by responding to consultations and identifying priorities for research.

The British Grassland Society is a Registered Charity in the U.K. (No. 261800)


Since part one of the first volume was released in March 1946, Grass and Forage Science has been at the forefront of publishing the results of research and development in grass and forage production, management and utilisation.


- Tom Goatman Chief Executive BGS


European Grassland Federation

EGF is a forum for students, research workers, advisors, teachers, industry representatives, farmers, policy makers and other people with active interest in all aspects of grassland in Europe. These aspects include utilisation and management of all types of grasslands for production and other ecosystem services. The Mission of the European Grassland Federation (EGF) is to be the leading research and knowledge exchange platform in Europe dealing with all aspects concerning grasslands.


The objectives of EGF are:

  • to facilitate and maintain close contact between Grassland Organizations in Europe
  • to promote the interchange of scientific and practical experience between grassland experts
  • to initiate conferences and other meetings on all aspects of grassland production and utilization in Europe.

Membership is open to National or Representative Grassland Organizations in Europe


As an independent non-profit membership organization EGF actively links all associations, institutions and individuals interested in grassland issues from more than 30 European member countries and thereby promotes the exchange of knowledge among professionals and raises new challenges for grassland use by identifying or taking up new research questions and initiating research.


Grass and Forage Science is the official journal of the European Grassland Federation (EGF) for publishing the results of research and development on all aspects of grassland management and services provided by grassland.


-Willy Kessler, EGF Secretary