ISABEL SOMMER

Expert Agroecology and Rural Development

Isabel has more than 10 years experience in rural development and food systems transformation. By focusing on agroecology as a guiding framework, Isabel has been able to put her two Masters in Agricultural and Political Science to good use. In her work, she uses a systemic approach, combining multi-disciplinary thinking with innovation and pragmatism. Isabel co-developed and organized the first national citizens assembly on food policy in Switzerland, giving ordinary citizens a voice to share their vision for food systems transformation. In this project she was able to use the fundraising, communication, lobbying, negotiation and project managment skills she had gathered in her previous roles at Jacobs Foundation, Plan International and German Development Cooperation. She co-founded a CSA in Zurich and is on the board of the Swiss network Agroecology Works.