The 37th AIAG Congress took place from November 12 to 15, 2023, in Geneva, Switzerland, on the topic: «Agricultural insurance: key tool of farmers’ risk management».
Pascal Forrer, President of the AIAG, welcomed the approximately 350 international participants and speakers at the President Wilson Hotel in Geneva on November 13, 2023, with a presentation on the challenges faced by agricultural insurers. Adrian Aebi, Director of this year's host Schweizer Hagel, then introduced the presentation of the host country with an insight into the company and the Swiss agricultural industry.
Another welcoming speech was given by Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin, representative of the Swiss government and responsible for economy, education, research and agriculture, followed by interested questions from the audience. In between, there was musical input from a Geneva alphorn trio, which introduced the guests to the Swiss musical tradition. Other exciting presentations on the challenges in agriculture with regard to climate change and food security, as well as the experience reports of a farmer and a winegrower from their day-to-day work rounded off the opening of the congress.
During the other days of the congress, presentations were given on the general global situation of agriculture, from India to Azerbaijan and Italy, and the effects of climate change and possible solutions and adaptation approaches for the agricultural insurance industry were discussed. In two workshops, the topics of index insurance on the one hand and animal diseases and public-private partnerships on the other were discussed in depth. In addition, five AgroInsurTech companies presented their products and technical possibilities to the participants in the form of pitches.
In addition to the presentations, there was time for bilateral talks and for making new contacts during Apéros and dinners and on Tuesday afternoon.
On the last day of the congress, the participants had the opportunity to choose between three different activities. Some learned more about agricultural research in Switzerland at the Agroscope Competence Center in Changins, another group gained an insight into the Cave de Genève winery and a third group visited the world-famous Red Cross Museum.
We would like to thank this year's host, Schweizer Hagel, for their hospitality and excellent cooperation, our sponsors for their valuable support, all participants and speakers for their presence and commitment, and everyone else who contributed to the success of the congress!
