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The Campos ecosystem is in central-eastern Argentina, southern Brazil and Uruguay. It is described as one of the largest areas of native grasslands in temperate-subtropical environments. However, it faces challenges as a food supplier in an increased global food demand. The main threats are the reduction in the area due to competition with cash crops and forestry and climate change effects. Uruguay produces food for 30×106 people representing 10 times its own population. Native grasslands are the main feed source for livestock in extensive ecosystems and complement intensive pastures in crop-livestock systems. In this scenario, INIA Uruguay has been evaluating different levels of land use intensification to quantify productive, economic and environmental imp acts through a series of long-term experiments (LTE). In a three-year period, four systems were tested, contrasting different levels of intensification in land use combined with different strategies for beef cattle rearing and finishing. Feeding resources included a combination of improved pastures, native grasslands and supplements. The objective of this contribution is to describe productive potential in herbage, crops and livestock production, and identify tools and key results to improve sustainable management practices in terms of achieving 400 kg LW/ha/year. Data obtained showed differences in the productivity obtained in the livestock and agriculture phases. The adjustment of management practices will provide tools to improve productivity and efficiency, minimize risks and identify mitigation and adaptation approaches to sustain future world food demands. Also, science-based information generated by LTE contributes to assisting public policy decision-makers and risk managers aligned to international commitments agreed by Uruguay in relation to the climate change agenda.