Revisiting the concept of ‘decent work’ for agriculture

While the topic of work in agriculture is gaining more interest from researchers, reflected in increasing scholarly publications, there has been little engagement with the ILO concept of decent work (DW). Yet DW has gained increased prominence due to its inclusion in the UN SDGs, attracting media attention and political discussion, and influencing current and new policies. Moreover, agriculture is a highly hazardous industry which, in many countries, is currently facing different changes and challenges, such as new technologies, climate or market changes, with relevant consequences for the agricultural workforce. Against this backdrop, it is timely to revisit the DW concept with regard to agriculture. This paper follows from the second International Symposium of Work in Agriculture (ISWA), held in 2021, and aims to scrutinise the usefulness of the ILO's DW concept for research, policy and practice on work in agriculture. We do this based on our discussions during and after the ISWA, our expertise in the field and a review of key literature on decent work. The evidence collected indicates that the current formulation of the DW concept is inadequate to ensure decent work for all in the agriculture sector. We recommend expanding the DW concept with a more robust theoretical foundation, encompassing all categories of workers, incorporating the subjective dimension of agricultural work, and considering geographic scale more extensively to enhance DW's relevance for research, policy, and practice. • The ILO decent work (DW) concept has new momentum with inclusion into the SDGs. • The current DW definition cannot encompass decent work for all in agriculture. • Agriculture is often excluded in legal regulations on workers' conditions. • DW for agriculture must be expanded to include all workers and human flourishing. • Academic engagement with the DW concept can make it more relevant for all.