Sectoral social dialogue - Agriculture Sectors of activity :SelectAgricultureAudiovisualBankingCentral government administrationsChemical industryCivil aviationCommerceConstructionContract cateringEducation ElectricityExtractive industriesFood and drink industryFootwearFurnitureGasGraphical industryHospitals and healthcareHotel, restaurant and catering (HORECA)Industrial cleaningInland waterwaysInsuranceLive performanceLocal and regional governmentsMaritime transportMetal industryPaper industryPersonal services/Hairdressing PortsPostal servicesPrivate securityProfessional footballRailwaysRoad transportSea fisheriesShipbuildingSteelSugarTanning and leatherTelecommunicationsTemporary agency workTextile and clothingWoodworking Social partners Employees' organisations Employers' organisations European Federation of Food, Agriculture and Tourism Trade Unions (EFFAT) Employers’ Group of Professional Agricultural Organisations (GEOPA-COPA) The Sectoral Social Dialogue Committee was set up in 1999. This sector covers: growing crops, fruits and vegetables raising animals landscape gardening hunting related agricultural and animal husbandry service activities. In Europe, the agriculture sector employs some 12.2m people (6% of the EU workforce), in more than 7.3m agricultural businesses (2007). The majority of agricultural workers are self-employed, but the sector is also characterised by a high number of seasonal or casual workers. The sector's major challenge is the global financial crisis which has contributed to price falls for many agricultural commodities and is expected to seriously affect the short term perspectives of the sector in the EU. Trade liberalisation discussions in the WTO have a direct impact on this sector and further restructuring is expected. Climate change is also a major concern. Focus areas The Committee is currently focusing on: consequences of the CAP for the future of employment vocational training (Agripass –Eures) the situation of seasonal workers accident prevention, taking particular account of musculoskeletal disorders. Activities and Meetings Check the library entries for this sectoral social dialogue committee. Achievements/Joint texts