ISWA2026

ISWA2026

3rd International Symposium on Work in Agriculture – ISWA “Addressing current and future challenges of work in agriculture: research, policy and practice”

The 3rd ISWA focused 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 symposium covered the following themes:
•    Attractiveness of work in the agri-food sector
•    Decent work in the agri-food sector
•    Knowledge, skills, and education
•    Dynamics of work
•    Health and safety
•    Agricultural workforce development systems

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

Dates July, 7-10 2026

Place:

ISWA 2026 took 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.

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

Photos Gallery: 

copyright Samuele Martinoni