Farm jobs in Italy include fruit and vegetable picking, vineyard work, olive harvesting, livestock care, greenhouse work, farm maintenance and agricultural machinery operation. The sector has opportunities for both seasonal and longer-term workers, with demand changing according to crops, harvest periods and regional production.
Agriculture is an important source of employment for foreign workers in Italy. CREA’s agricultural census data records more than 1.27 million salaried agricultural workers, with foreign workers representing 33.4% of salaried agricultural labour. Southern Italy accounts for the largest share of salaried agricultural employment, particularly Puglia, Sicily and Campania.
For workers from India and other non-EU countries, farm employment can also be relevant to Italy’s seasonal-worker system. However, an online vacancy does not automatically provide a visa. The employer, employment contract, applicable quota and immigration authorization all need to be considered.
Overview
| Job Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Country | Italy |
| Industry | Agriculture and Farming |
| Common Jobs | Farm Worker, Fruit Picker, Vineyard Worker, Greenhouse Worker, Dairy Worker |
| Italian Job Titles | Operaio agricolo, Bracciante agricolo, Addetto agricolo |
| Work Type | Seasonal, temporary and permanent |
| Education | Usually no advanced qualification for basic farm work |
| Experience | Often not essential for entry-level harvesting |
| Language | Basic Italian is useful |
| Indicative Pay | Approximately €1,050–€1,600+ gross/month depending on contract and role |
| Working Hours | Vary by crop, season, weather and employer |
| Accommodation | Sometimes available, but not guaranteed |
| Major Regions | Puglia, Sicily, Campania, Veneto, Tuscany, Emilia-Romagna, Piedmont and Lombardy |
| Non-EU Workers | Legal work authorization required |
What Are Farm Jobs in Italy?
Farm workers perform practical agricultural tasks throughout the growing, harvesting and processing cycle. The work can take place outdoors in fields, inside greenhouses, in vineyards and orchards, or around livestock and farm buildings.
The Italian term “operaio agricolo” is commonly used for agricultural workers, while “bracciante agricolo” is often used for farm labourers performing manual agricultural work.
Farm employment can be divided into two broad categories. Seasonal workers are hired for particular periods such as fruit harvesting or grape picking, while permanent agricultural employees can work throughout the year on farms, livestock operations, nurseries or larger agricultural businesses.
Italy’s agricultural employment system is also governed by collective agreements. A new national collective agreement for agricultural and horticultural workers was signed in May 2026 for 2026–2029, with a 5.1% overall wage increase for 2026–2027.
Types of Farm Jobs in Italy
Agriculture is much broader than fruit picking. Applicants should consider different types of farm work depending on their experience and physical abilities.
Fruit Picking Jobs
Fruit harvesting is one of the most recognizable forms of seasonal agricultural employment.
Workers may pick, sort or prepare:
- Apples
- Pears
- Peaches
- Cherries
- Strawberries
- Grapes
- Citrus fruits
- Kiwi
- Melons
- Watermelons
The work is strongly dependent on the harvest calendar. Workers may need to begin early in the morning and spend much of the day outdoors.
Vegetable Farm Jobs
Vegetable farms require workers for planting, weeding, harvesting, sorting and packing.
Common crops include:
- Tomatoes
- Potatoes
- Onions
- Lettuce
- Peppers
- Zucchini
- Cucumbers
- Eggplants
- Artichokes
Some farms combine field work with packing or sorting activities.
Vineyard Jobs
Italy’s extensive wine industry creates agricultural employment in vineyards.
Vineyard workers may perform:
- Planting
- Pruning
- Tying vines
- Removing unwanted growth
- Maintaining rows
- Harvesting grapes
- Carrying harvested grapes
- General vineyard maintenance
Grape harvesting is particularly seasonal, while pruning and vineyard maintenance can provide work at other times of the year.
Olive Farm Jobs
Olive cultivation is especially important in southern and central Italy.
Workers can be involved in:
- Olive harvesting
- Tree maintenance
- Pruning assistance
- Ground preparation
- Sorting olives
- Moving harvested produce
- General farm maintenance
Puglia is particularly important for olive production and agricultural employment.
Greenhouse Jobs
Greenhouses can provide employment beyond traditional outdoor farming.
Workers may plant, water, prune, monitor and harvest crops in controlled environments.
Greenhouse work can include:
- Vegetables
- Flowers
- Nursery plants
- Herbs
- Fruit
- Ornamental plants
The working environment can be hot and humid, depending on the season and greenhouse conditions.
Livestock and Dairy Farm Jobs
Not all agricultural jobs involve crops.
Livestock workers may care for:
- Cattle
- Sheep
- Goats
- Pigs
- Poultry
Duties can include feeding animals, cleaning facilities, moving livestock, assisting with milking and maintaining farm areas.
These jobs are more likely than harvesting work to provide year-round employment on some farms.
Agricultural Machinery Jobs
Workers with technical experience can apply for jobs involving tractors and other agricultural machinery.
Possible responsibilities include:
- Tractor operation
- Ploughing
- Planting
- Harvesting
- Irrigation equipment
- Farm machinery maintenance
- Loading agricultural products
Experience and the legally required authorization for particular machinery or tasks can be important.
Farm Worker Salary in Italy
Agricultural wages in Italy are not determined by one simple national monthly salary. Actual pay depends on the province, collective agreement, professional classification, whether the worker is seasonal or permanent, the number of days worked and any applicable allowances.
The 2026 national agricultural workers’ agreement established national minimum monthly amounts of approximately €1,508 for Area 1, €1,375 for Area 2 and €1,026 for Area 3 from June 2026, with further increases scheduled from January 2027. Provincial agreements can affect the actual contractual wage.
This makes it more useful to look at farm jobs by category rather than promise one salary for everyone.
| Farm Job | Indicative Gross Pay |
|---|---|
| Basic Seasonal Farm Worker | €1,050–€1,300/month |
| Fruit Picker | €1,050–€1,400/month |
| Vegetable Farm Worker | €1,100–€1,400/month |
| Vineyard Worker | €1,100–€1,500/month |
| Olive Farm Worker | €1,100–€1,500/month |
| Greenhouse Worker | €1,100–€1,500/month |
| Livestock Worker | €1,200–€1,600/month |
| Dairy Farm Worker | €1,200–€1,700/month |
| Agricultural Machine Operator | €1,400–€2,000+ |
| Experienced Farm Worker | €1,300–€1,800+ |
| Farm Supervisor | €1,600–€2,300+ |
These are planning ranges, not guaranteed take-home salaries. Agricultural pay is strongly affected by provincial agreements and the number of hours or days actually worked.
How the 2026 Agricultural Wage Changes Affect Workers
Italy’s agricultural and horticultural collective agreement was renewed on 28 May 2026. It introduced a total 5.1% increase for the 2026–2027 economic period, divided into a 3.4% increase from June 2026 and another 1.7% from January 2027.
The agreement also continues to recognize the importance of fixed-term agricultural employment and introduces provisions intended to improve employment continuity.
For workers considering a farm offer, this means the actual contract should be checked against the relevant agricultural collective agreement and applicable provincial rules rather than relying only on a recruiter’s verbal salary promise.
Seasonal Farm Jobs in Italy
Seasonal work is a major part of agricultural employment.
Different crops create different hiring periods. For example:
| Agricultural Activity | Typical Work Period |
|---|---|
| Strawberry and early fruit work | Spring |
| Vegetable harvesting | Spring–Autumn |
| Tomato harvesting | Summer |
| Grape harvesting | Late summer–Autumn |
| Apple harvesting | Late summer–Autumn |
| Olive harvesting | Autumn–Winter |
| Citrus harvesting | Autumn–Winter |
| Greenhouse work | Throughout the year |
| Livestock work | Throughout the year |
Actual dates vary by crop, weather, location and agricultural business.
Seasonal work can therefore be suitable for workers who want a temporary contract, while livestock, greenhouse and farm-maintenance positions may be more suitable for people looking for longer employment.
Where Are Farm Jobs Available in Italy?
Agricultural employment is spread across the country, but the type of work changes considerably from one region to another.
Puglia
Puglia is one of the most important agricultural employment regions in Italy. CREA data shows that Puglia accounted for approximately 21% of salaried agricultural labour in the 2020 agricultural census.
Opportunities can be connected with:
- Olives
- Grapes
- Vegetables
- Tomatoes
- Fruit
- Greenhouses
Sicily
Sicily has extensive agricultural activity, including citrus production, vineyards, vegetables and other Mediterranean crops.
Agricultural workers may find both seasonal harvesting and farm-maintenance opportunities.
Campania
Campania has significant agricultural employment, particularly in fruit, vegetables and other intensive agricultural activities.
The region also has a large number of agricultural workers compared with many parts of northern Italy.
Tuscany
Tuscany is known for vineyards, olive production and mixed agriculture.
Vineyard and olive-farm employment can be particularly relevant during seasonal periods.
Veneto
Veneto combines agriculture with a strong food-processing and commercial sector.
The region is important for vineyards, fruit, vegetables and nursery production.
Emilia-Romagna
Agriculture in Emilia-Romagna is closely connected with food processing. Fruit, vegetables, dairy production and other agricultural activities create demand for farm workers.
Lombardy
Lombardy has large agricultural operations alongside its industrial economy. Dairy farming, livestock, cereals, greenhouse production and other activities can provide employment.
What Does a Farm Worker Do?
A normal day depends on the crop and season.
A field worker may be responsible for:
- Planting seeds or seedlings
- Weeding
- Irrigating crops
- Pruning plants
- Applying approved agricultural treatments under instruction
- Harvesting crops
- Sorting produce
- Loading agricultural products
- Cleaning tools
- Maintaining farm areas
- Carrying boxes
- Preparing produce for transportation
The work can be repetitive and physically demanding, especially during peak harvest periods.
Working Conditions on Italian Farms
Farm work is different from office or factory employment because working conditions can depend on weather and the agricultural cycle.
Outdoor workers may experience:
- Strong sunlight
- Heat
- Cold mornings
- Rain
- Uneven ground
- Repetitive physical movement
- Long periods of standing
- Carrying boxes or equipment
Workers should receive appropriate safety instructions and protective equipment where required.
Italian agricultural employers are subject to workplace safety requirements, and employees should not be expected to ignore dangerous conditions simply because the job is seasonal.
Do Farm Jobs Require Experience?
Many basic farm jobs do not require previous professional experience.
An employer may train a new worker in:
- Fruit picking
- Basic sorting
- Planting
- Weeding
- Packing
- Crop handling
- Farm hygiene
However, previous agricultural experience can help an applicant obtain more specialized employment.
Experience with tractors, irrigation systems, pruning, livestock, greenhouse operations or machinery can be particularly valuable.
Is Italian Required for Farm Work?
Advanced Italian is not always required for basic seasonal farm work, but basic communication is extremely useful.
Workers need to understand instructions relating to:
- Safety
- Working hours
- Tools
- Crops
- Quantities
- Harvesting methods
- Weather-related changes
- Accommodation
- Transportation
Useful agricultural vocabulary includes:
| Italian Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Agricoltura | Agriculture |
| Azienda agricola | Farm/agricultural business |
| Operaio agricolo | Agricultural worker |
| Bracciante | Farm labourer |
| Raccolta | Harvest/collection |
| Frutta | Fruit |
| Verdura | Vegetables |
| Vigneto | Vineyard |
| Uliveto | Olive grove |
| Serra | Greenhouse |
| Campo | Field |
| Trattore | Tractor |
| Raccolta delle olive | Olive harvesting |
| Vendemmia | Grape harvest |
Learning even basic Italian can make communication much easier.
Farm Jobs for Indian Workers
Indian citizens can potentially work in Italy’s agricultural sector if they obtain the appropriate legal authorization.
For workers outside the European Union, seasonal agriculture is particularly relevant because Italy’s foreign-worker system includes seasonal employment categories.
The government-supported migration information system confirms that Italy’s Decreto Flussi includes procedures for foreign-worker entries, and agriculture is among the sectors connected with seasonal employment.
The important point is that an applicant does not receive a visa simply because someone advertises a “farm job in Italy.”
The normal legal process involves:
- Finding a genuine agricultural employer.
- Receiving a legitimate employment offer.
- The employer submitting the required application.
- Immigration authorities processing the work authorization.
- Obtaining the required visa where applicable.
- Entering Italy legally.
- Completing residence and employment formalities.
- Starting the approved agricultural employment.
The exact procedure and available quota depend on the current year’s immigration rules.
Italy Farm Jobs With Visa Sponsorship
The phrase “visa sponsorship” is widely used online, but applicants should understand what it means in the Italian system.
A farm employer does not simply issue a visa directly. The employer participates in the applicable employment authorization process, while the immigration and consular authorities handle the relevant stages.
Italy’s 2026–2028 Decreto Flussi establishes a three-year framework for non-EU worker entries.
For a seasonal agricultural worker, the employer and employment category must satisfy the relevant requirements and quota conditions.
Therefore, advertisements saying “100% guaranteed Italy farm visa” should be treated cautiously.
Accommodation on Italian Farms
Accommodation can be an important advantage for seasonal agricultural workers, particularly when farms are located far from large towns.
However, farm accommodation is not automatically free.
Before accepting an offer, ask:
- Is accommodation provided by the employer?
- Is it free or paid?
- Is the room private or shared?
- Are electricity and water included?
- Is food included?
- Is transport to the farm provided?
- Is accommodation deducted from salary?
- How many workers share the property?
- How long can you stay?
These conditions should be written clearly into the employment arrangement wherever possible.
Farm Jobs and Working Hours
Agricultural working hours can be different from ordinary office jobs.
During harvest periods, workers may start early because temperatures are more manageable in the morning. The daily schedule can also change according to weather, crop maturity and production requirements.
A worker may have:
- Early morning shifts
- Full-day agricultural work
- Seasonal schedules
- Weekend work
- Weather-dependent schedules
- Longer working periods during peak harvest
The contract and applicable collective agreement determine the legal working conditions.
The agricultural employment framework commonly uses a 39-hour weekly working schedule, while provincial arrangements and seasonal conditions affect the detailed organization of work.
Farm Work vs Food Factory Work
For applicants deciding between agricultural and factory employment, the differences are significant.
| Feature | Farm Work | Food Factory Work |
|---|---|---|
| Workplace | Fields, farms, greenhouses | Factory |
| Seasonality | Often high | Usually lower |
| Weather Exposure | High for outdoor jobs | Low |
| Physical Work | High | Moderate to high |
| Accommodation | Sometimes available | Depends on employer |
| Language Requirement | Often basic for entry roles | Basic to moderate |
| Machinery | Tractors/farm equipment | Production machinery |
| Main Peak | Harvest seasons | Production demand |
| Entry-Level Jobs | Common | Common |
| Career Options | Skilled agriculture/farm supervision | Production/quality/logistics |
How to Find Farm Jobs in Italy
Applicants should search using Italian terms as well as English.
Useful search phrases include:
- Lavoro agricolo
- Operaio agricolo
- Bracciante agricolo
- Lavoro raccolta frutta
- Raccolta frutta
- Raccolta olive
- Vendemmia
- Lavoro in vigneto
- Operaio agricolo stagionale
- Lavoro in serra
- Addetto raccolta
- Addetto azienda agricola
Adding a region or crop to the search can make results more specific, such as vineyard jobs in Tuscany or fruit harvesting in northern Italy.
How to Prepare a CV for Farm Jobs
A farm-work CV does not need to be complicated.
If you have previous agricultural experience, mention the exact tasks you performed.
For example:
Agricultural Worker
- Harvested vegetables and fruit
- Prepared fields for planting
- Assisted with irrigation
- Sorted harvested produce
- Used basic agricultural tools
- Maintained clean working areas
- Worked during seasonal harvest periods
If you have experience with tractors, pruning, livestock or greenhouse work, put that information prominently in the CV.
For applicants without farm experience, physical work, warehouse work, gardening, landscaping or food-processing experience can demonstrate transferable skills.
Skills That Can Increase Farm Job Opportunities
Basic harvesting work can be an entry point, but additional skills can improve employment possibilities.
Useful skills include:
- Tractor operation
- Irrigation
- Pruning
- Greenhouse management
- Livestock handling
- Agricultural machinery
- Basic farm maintenance
- Produce sorting
- Packing
- Quality inspection
- Basic Italian
Workers who develop these skills can move toward more specialized agricultural positions.
Career Growth in Agriculture
Farm work does not have to remain seasonal manual labour throughout a person’s career.
A possible progression is:
Seasonal Farm Worker → Experienced Agricultural Worker → Skilled Farm Worker → Machinery Operator → Team Leader → Farm Supervisor
Workers with formal agricultural education can follow a different route into agricultural technician, agronomy or farm-management roles.
Experience with machinery and farm operations can be particularly valuable for workers seeking year-round employment.
Important Things to Check Before Accepting a Farm Job
Foreign applicants should verify the complete employment arrangement before paying anyone or making travel plans.
Check:
- Employer’s legal name
- Farm location
- Crop or type of agricultural work
- Contract duration
- Number of guaranteed working days
- Gross wage
- Working hours
- Overtime arrangements
- Accommodation
- Food arrangements
- Transportation
- Work authorization
- Visa procedure
- Salary deductions
A seasonal job should not be presented as a permanent position unless the contract says so.
Applicants should also be careful with recruiters who ask for large payments in exchange for a “guaranteed” work permit.
Why Farm Jobs Can Be a Starting Point in Italy
Farm work can provide an entry point into Italy’s wider agricultural and food-production economy. Workers can gain experience in harvesting, crop handling, packing, machinery, livestock or greenhouse production and later move into more specialized positions.
The sector is also significant for foreign employment. CREA’s agricultural census data shows that foreign workers represented roughly one-third of salaried agricultural labour, demonstrating the important role migrant workers already play in Italian agriculture.
The most important consideration for overseas applicants is to choose a genuine employer, understand the exact contract and complete the legal immigration procedure. Salary, accommodation and working days should all be verified before making travel arrangements.
Conclusion
Farm Jobs in Italy provide opportunities in fruit and vegetable harvesting, vineyards, olive farms, greenhouses, livestock, dairy production and agricultural machinery. Many basic positions do not require advanced education or extensive previous experience, although physical stamina and reliability are important. The renewed 2026–2029 agricultural collective agreement has also increased contractual wage levels, while actual pay continues to vary by province, worker classification and contract type. For Indian and other non-EU applicants, seasonal agriculture can be a legitimate employment route when the employer and position qualify under Italy’s immigration system, but a farm vacancy is not itself a guaranteed visa. Workers should verify the employer, contract, salary, accommodation and work authorization before paying any recruitment fee or travelling to Italy.
