BANGKOK (ILO News) – While they account for half the world’s labour force, agricultural workers are among the most vulnerable. Their work is often hazardous, with the fatal accident rate double that of other industries.

Women account for more than half of agriculture labour, while 70 per cent of the world’s working children are involved in agriculture in one form or other. In addition, agrochemicals widely used in farming are linked to long-term illnesses, reproductive impairments, and ongoing harm to the earth and its resources.

Despite a host of international efforts and instruments aimed at ensuring workers in agriculture receive protection, they have largely failed at improving conditions for the vast majority of agricultural workers.

The International Labour Organization (ILO)’s Bureau for Workers’ Activities (ACTRAV) has organized a four-day seminar at Siam City Hotel, Kamolmart Room, 6^th Floor, during 18-21 August, in Bangkok, which will cover these issues and many more areas of concern facing workers in agriculture. Representatives from workers’ groups in 21 nations in Asia and the Pacific are expected to attend.