ABSTRACT
The ecological, economic and social crisis in agriculture is linked to developments in agricultural work since the 1950s. Since that time a rationalisation of agricultural work has been taking place, and redundant labour was taken up in the growing industrial and service sectors. If agriculture is to be practised according to ecological and social principles and thereby to meet societal expectations, more people will have to work in agriculture again. This requires targeted agricultural policy support for work and for organically farmed land. In keeping with the vision of an eco-social agro-culture, a wide range of work opportunities must be created – full-time and part-time work, (partial) subsistence and voluntary work, all year round and seasonal. In a post-growth society where growth is no longer encouraged for the sake of creating further formal employment, this can lead to new, interesting, varied and meaningful activities.
