International Symposium on Work in Agriculture

The International Symposium on Work in Agriculture (ISWA), hosted by the Berner Fachhochschule BFH, HAFL in Zollikofen, Switzerland, is a significant event focusing on the pressing challenges and future dynamics of work in the agricultural sector. This symposium is being organized in conjunction with the Fachausschuss für Arbeitswissenschaften im Landbau and the HAFL Cecchini Institute. It aims to address the complex interactions of global crises, structural changes, and evolving labor dynamics that impact the agriculture sector, calling for an urgent research response that meets the needs of both policy and practice. The symposium will serve as a platform for researchers, practitioners, and policymakers to engage in meaningful discussions, share insights, and explore sustainable solutions for the agricultural workforce.The symposium will cover critical themes such as the attractiveness of work within the agri-food sector and the concept of decent work in this field. Abstracts submitted for the symposium will undergo a review process, with accepted abstracts being published in a dedicated book of abstracts, facilitating the dissemination of research findings. The event is supported by the International Association on Work in Agriculture (IAWA), uniting a diverse group of researchers and extensionists from around the world to foster discussions on the future of work in agriculture. The Cecchini Institute is particularly noted for its interdisciplinary approach, with over 50 researchers engaged in projects across more than 100 countries, collaborating with various national and international organizations to address challenges aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Through this symposium, participants will have the opportunity to reflect on social challenges and sustainability considerations that shape existing and emerging work processes in agriculture, promoting an inclusive and forward-thinking dialogue.