Rural sociology

This research and consultancy project has produced two innovative tools to support people in the farm-transfer process. One is the farm-transfer game “Parcours”, which was developed to provide a playful approach to the complex farm-transfer process. The other is a new website, which provides a wealth of information on the farm-succession process, and its challenges and opportunities. Both tools can provide valuable counselling support; also in private life.

If a married couple separates, this has far-reaching consequences for everyone involved. In agriculture, not only the people but also the business is affected, which plays a major role in divorce negotiations. In this project, we are building a comprehensive database on divorces in Swiss agriculture. Based on the empirical findings, we are working with industry partners to compile a dossier in the UFA Revue for farming families and married couples (available in German and French). It’s intended to provide specialised information to those directly affected by the divorce process.

Women play diverse roles in agriculture, and their work – whether as (co-)farm managers, farmers or employees – is essential to the agricultural system. Despite this, the work of women on farms is often overlooked and their economic contribution is frequently underestimated. In this project, in collaboration with Vision Landwirtschaft, we explore the roles and economic contributions of women on farms through interviews and Living Labs. We also identify the needs of female practitioners to broaden their networks and enhance their visibility.

Women are strongly represented in agriculture, but mostly in the background. Only 7% of farm managers in Switzerland are women, while just under 20% of those completing the EFZ in agriculture are women. The fact that women are underrepresented as farm managers is due to the global tradition of handing over the business from father to son. This tradition is reflected in gender-specific agricultural training programmes in Switzerland. Together with INFORAMA Rütti, AGRIDEA and education-system stakeholders, we examine basic and specialised agricultural training in relation to traditional gender roles. Our aim is to create greater equal opportunities for women and men and inspire gender-neutral education in agriculture.

In order to fulfil its economic, ecological and tradition-preserving functions, the Swiss Alpine economy is dependent on its employees. However, the staffing situation poses a major challenge on many Alpine farms. Therefore, it is crucial for Alpine managers to understand the expectations and loyalty of their staff. Together with the Swiss Alpine Association, we identify these factors by means of a quantitative online survey and in-depth qualitative interviews. Using these results, we collaborate with other stakeholders to create action recommendations that encourage Alpine staff to return to their jobs.

Swiss milk producers have long been confronted with major challenges and burdens. The aim of this project, in cooperation with AGRIDEA, was to find out what their quality of life is like and what strategies they use to achieve a good quality of life. Qualitative interviews were conducted with milk producers. Many of their strategies focused on organising work to maximise “free time” and opportunities for change, but also allow a private life. Some strategies required financial resources, others did not. Counselling already provides support for quality of life, but not systematically. Quality of life aspects should therefore be consciously and consistently included in strategic and technical advice in future. The findings and their implementation make an important contribution to the social sustainability of Swiss farms and are also relevant beyond the dairy sector.