Farm Jobs in Italy: A Complete Guide for Seasonal and Long-Term Workers

Italy, with its rolling vineyards, olive groves, citrus orchards, and diverse agricultural landscape, is one of Europe’s most productive farming nations. Agriculture remains a major sector in the Italian economy—especially in regions like Tuscany, Sicily, Puglia, and Lombardy. As a result, farm jobs in Italy offer vast employment opportunities, especially during harvesting seasons.

Whether you’re a foreign seasonal worker, a student looking for summer work, or someone aiming for permanent employment in rural Italy, this guide will help you understand the ins and outs of farm work in Italy—including job types, visa requirements, pay, working conditions, and how to apply.

Overview of the Agricultural Sector in Italy

Italy’s agriculture industry is known for its variety and high quality. Some of the main crops and farm products include:

• Grapes (for wine)

• Olives (for olive oil)

• Tomatoes

• Apples and citrus fruits

• Wheat and corn

• Vegetables (zucchini, peppers, onions, etc.)

• Dairy and livestock farming

Many of these require intensive labor, especially during planting and harvesting seasons, which creates demand for seasonal farmworkers across the country.

Types of Farm Jobs in Italy

Farm work in Italy includes a wide range of roles:

🌾 1. Fruit and Vegetable Picking

• Harvesting grapes, olives, tomatoes, apples, oranges, etc.

• Physically demanding and time-sensitive

• Often paid per hour or per kilo

🚜 2. General Farm Labor

• Soil preparation, planting, weeding, and irrigation

• Assisting with machinery

• Ideal for those looking for longer-term positions

🐄 3. Animal Farming

• Feeding and caring for livestock (cows, sheep, goats, pigs)

• Cleaning barns and assisting with milking

• Requires some experience or training

🍷 4. Vineyard and Olive Grove Work

• Grape pruning and harvesting for wine production

• Olive picking for oil processing

• Seasonal, with high demand in Tuscany, Umbria, and Sicily

🧑‍🌾 5. Agritourism Jobs

• Working on farms that offer rural tourism experiences

• Duties may include hospitality, cooking, and helping tourists

• Suitable for those with language skills and customer service experience

Who Can Work in Farm Jobs in Italy?

🇮🇹 Italian Citizens

• Can freely apply to agricultural jobs

• May be eligible for government seasonal work schemes

🇪🇺 EU Citizens

• Do not need a visa to work in Italy

• Just need a Codice Fiscale (tax ID) and legal employment contract

🌍 Non-EU Citizens

• Require a seasonal work visa or residence permit

• Typically recruited through official quotas (decreto flussi) set by the Italian government each year

Seasonal Work Visa for Farm Jobs (Decreto Flussi)

✅ How It Works:

• Italy allows a specific number of non-EU workers to enter for seasonal work, mostly in agriculture and tourism.

• Employers must apply on behalf of the worker.

• The decree is usually announced at the beginning of the year (January–March).

📋 Requirements:

• Job offer from an Italian farm/employer

• Valid passport

• No criminal record

• Medical certificate (sometimes required)

• Proof of accommodation

🕒 Duration:

• Seasonal work permits are usually valid for 3 to 9 months, depending on the contract

🛂 Important:

• You cannot enter Italy and find a farm job without a visa unless you’re from the EU or have residency

Average Salary of Farm Workers in Italy

💶 Typical Pay:

• €5 to €8 per hour, depending on region and type of work

• Some jobs are paid per kilogram (e.g., fruit picking)

• Monthly income ranges from €800 to €1,500, with accommodation sometimes included

🏠 Accommodation:

• Some farms provide shared housing or dormitories

• Others may deduct housing costs from wages

Working Conditions and Hours

🕑 Hours:

• 6–8 hours per day, 5–6 days a week

• Early morning starts, especially in summer

🧾 Contracts:

• Seasonal or fixed-term contracts (contratto a tempo determinato)

• Workers should receive a written contract and insurance coverage

💪 Work Intensity:

• Physically demanding work (lifting, bending, working under the sun)

• Proper clothing, hydration, and safety awareness are important

Best Regions for Farm Jobs in Italy

Each region has its own harvesting schedule and agricultural focus:

Where to Find Farm Jobs in Italy

🖥️ Online Platforms:

• EURES Italy

• Coldiretti Job in Campo

• Indeed Italia

• Agrijob

• Jobrapido

🏢 Agricultural Cooperatives:

• Many farms belong to cooperatives which handle hiring

• You can visit local offices or apply through Coldiretti, Confagricoltura, or CIA (Italian farmers’ unions)

🧑‍💼 Direct Farm Contacts:

• If you’re in Italy, you can approach farms directly

• Many rural communities post seasonal job ads in local bars, stores, or bulletin boards

Pros and Cons of Farm Jobs in Italy

✅ Pros:

• High demand during harvest season

• Entry-level work (no experience needed)

• Can lead to long-term employment or residence

• Rural living can be peaceful and inexpensive

❌ Cons:

• Physically exhausting

• Not highly paid

• Temporary work with no long-term guarantee

• Language barrier (most employers speak Italian only)

• Risk of exploitation (always work with legal contracts!)

Tips for Farm Workers in Italy

• Learn Basic Italian: Knowing even simple phrases helps with communication and safety

• Stay Legal: Only accept work with a contract and valid documents

• Bring Essentials: Work boots, sunhat, gloves, and water bottles are vital

• Know Your Rights: All workers in Italy are entitled to fair pay, safe conditions, and social security coverage

• Avoid Scams: Never pay for fake job offers or illegal visa promises

Conclusion

Farm jobs in Italy offer a gateway to employment for thousands of local and foreign workers every year. With high seasonal demand, especially in summer and autumn, it’s a good opportunity for those willing to do physically intensive work in exchange for fair wages and potentially low-cost living.

Whether you’re harvesting grapes in Tuscany or picking oranges in Sicily, agricultural work in Italy can be a rewarding cultural and financial experience—as long as it’s done legally and safely.