3rd ISWA

The 3rd ISWA will focus on the theme of current and future challenges of work in agriculture from a research, policy and practice perspective.

Global crises, structural change, evolving labour dynamics and other dynamics at multiple levels create challenges of work in agriculture, currently and in the future. This requires research attention, meeting the needs of policy and practice. ISWA brings together researchers, practitioners, and policymakers to address urgent questions and promote sustainable, inclusive solutions.

The core topics to be addressed during ISWA include:
•    Attractiveness of agricultural work
•    Decent work in the agri-food sector
•    Knowledge, skills, and education in agriculture
•    Changing work dynamics through digitalization and climate change
•    Health and safety of agricultural workers
•    Agricultural workforce development systems

Dates July, 7-10 2026

The Call for working groups is open until 29 August 2025! 

Place:

ISWA 2026 will take place at the BFH-HAFL campus in Zollikofen – an inspiring location surrounded by fields and forests, with stunning views of the Alps. It's the perfect setting to reflect on  current and future challenges of work in agriculture.

Organization:
Joint organization by IAWA, BFH-HAFL, Agroscope
BFH-HAFL: Local Organizers
Agroscope: Lead of Scientific Committee

Scientific Committee:
Agroscope (Lead): Melf-Hinrich Ehlers, Katja Heitkämper
BFH-HAFL: Sandra Contzen; Zenebe Uraguchi
IAWA: Mohamed Sraïri; Nathalie Hostiou; Ruth Nettle; Priscila Malanski; Bruno Dorin