People Behind Our Food

​Uncovering hidden realities in agriculture

​Food systems depend on the work of millions of people whose contributions often remain unseen. While sustainability discussions frequently focus on environmental and economic dimensions, the social realities of agriculture, including working conditions, recognition, equity, and well-being, receive far less attention.

​At this Dialogue Series event, participants will hear firsthand perspectives from young farmers, farm women, and migrant workers, alongside insights from research. Together, these voices will shed light on the challenges and opportunities shaping agricultural livelihoods today and explore broader questions of labor justice, inclusion, and social sustainability.

​Join us for an evening of personal stories, scientific perspectives, and open discussion as we reflect on how food systems can better support the people who grow, harvest, and produce our food.

​Event Details

​📅 Date: 5 November 2026 
⏰ Time: 18:00 – 19:30 (followed by Apéro, arrival welcome from 17:30) 
💬 Language: English, French 
📍 Location: Dozentenfoyer, ETH Zurich Zentrum 
🤝 Collaborative Partner: International Association of students in Agricultural and related Sciences (IAAS Switzerland)

​Program

• ​17:30 | Doors Open & Registration

• ​18:00 | Welcome & Introduction

• ​18:10 | Perspectives from the Frontlines of Agriculture

  • ​Migrant Worker Perspective 
    Yvan Sagnet, Founder, NoCap

  • ​Women in Agriculture 
    Anne Challandes, Swiss Association of Rural Women (SBLV)

  • ​Young Farmer Perspective 
    Johannes Meyer, Young Farmers Association (JULA)

  • ​Research Perspective: The Bigger Picture 
    Eva-Marie Meemken, Professor of Food System Economics and Policy, ETH Zurich

• ​18:40 | Moderated Discussion 
  Panel discussion with speakers, including audience questions

• ​19:25 | Closing Remarks

• ​19:30 | Apéro & Networking

​🔔 RSVP: This event is free, but registration is mandatory. Sign up early to secure a spot and de-register if your plans change.

​Who should attend?

​This event is designed for researchers, students, farmers, policymakers, civil society organizations, industry representatives, and anyone interested in sustainable food systems. Whether your interests lie in agriculture, food policy, rural development, labor conditions, social sustainability, or food system transformation, this evening offers opportunities to gain new perspectives, engage in meaningful discussion, and connect with people working across research and practice.

​About the organizers

The World Food System Center was established at ETH Zurich based on the belief that the real-world solutions needed to tackle the challenges our food system faces require collaboration from global and local stakeholders across the entire food value chain. We work across disciplines and scales and in partnerships with key stakeholders to create new knowledge and ensure it is translated into real world impact.

​Partner Organizations 

IAAS Switzerland is the Swiss branch of the International Association of Students in Agricultural and Related Sciences (IAAS), connecting students interested in agriculture, food systems, and related disciplines through knowledge exchange and international collaboration.

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​This event is part of the World Food System Center Dialogue Series 2026.

​Event Photo Disclaimer: You consent to use photographs in our marketing material by signing up for this event. If you prefer not to appear, please email wfsc@ethz.ch to opt-out. Your participation implies agreement.