The project was carried out in close collaboration with the Martin Luther University Halle/Saale and with local administration, advisory services, farmers’ organizations and farm households. The main aim of the project was to better understand the problem of a high labour burden in farm households and the main factors that contribute to that. Particular emphasis has in this respect been put on assessing present farm structural changes in the new Laender. Causal relationships were identified and possibilities for the promotion of better working conditions on farms and in farm households elaborated. The main methods applied were literature review and synthesis; farm household-level surveys; farm-level case studies; and farm household-level computer modelling. Particular emphasis was given to the relationships between agricultural structures, farming patterns and labour burden (physical strains, stress etc.). The main outcomes were: support given to selected farmers setting up new farm holdings in the form of a calculation of farm development plans with differing scenarios as well as advisory services; compilation of a video film and various additional teaching and training materials.