Farm Jobs in Italy (2026 Guide)
Italy’s agriculture industry isn’t just scenic vineyards and olive groves — it’s a major source of employment, especially in rural regions and during harvest seasons. Whether it’s picking grapes in Tuscany, working in olive orchards in Puglia, or supporting general farm operations across the country, farm jobs are real and plentiful.
But there’s no sugar‑coating it: these jobs are physically demanding, often seasonal, and the earnings reflect that reality. If you’re thinking about moving to Italy for farm work — especially from abroad — you need to understand how jobs, pay, visas, and working conditions actually work here.
What Farm Jobs Look Like in Italy
Farm work covers a wide range of roles, usually revolving around food production:
🌾 Fruit & Vegetable Picking
Harvesting apples, grapes, olives, and other produce. This is often seasonal and busiest during summer/fall.
🚜 General Farm Worker / Laborer
Planting, pruning, watering, irrigation, and handling basic machinery.
🐄 Livestock & Dairy Worker
Feeding, milking, and caring for animals like cows or goats on dairy farms.
🍇 Winery / Vineyard Worker
Assisting with grape harvesting and basic cellar work. Specialized roles can pay better and sometimes require machinery skills.
🌿 Farm Technicians / Agronomists
More skilled roles involving crop planning and organic certification — these are rarer and typically require qualifications.
Whether you’re just starting or bringing some experience, there’s usually a place for hard‑working people — but expectations differ a lot depending on where you end up.
How Much Farm Workers Earn (Real Figures)
Wages vary based on job type, experience, region, and whether the work is seasonal or full‑time.
💶 Typical Wages (2026)
| Role | Salary Estimate |
|---|---|
| Seasonal Harvest Worker | ~€7–€14/hour (~€1,000–€1,600/month) |
| Entry Farm Laborer | ~€10–€12/hour (~€1,600–€1,900/month) |
| Livestock / Dairy Worker | ~€11–€15/hour (~€1,800–€2,300/month) |
| Vineyard / Specialized Worker | ~€12–€18/hour (€2,000–€2,800) |
| Farm Supervisor / Technician | ~€1,500–€2,500+/month |
Many farms also provide accommodation and meals, especially for seasonal workers — and that’s a huge benefit because it lowers your living costs while you work.
Keep in mind that wages in rural Italy are generally lower than in urban areas, and labour is physically demanding, with long hours in hot sun and sometimes early starts.
Seasonal Work and Contracts
Most of the simpler jobs — like fruit picking or harvesting — are seasonal, typically lasting 3–9 months depending on the crop and region.
Seasonal farm work usually involves:
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Early morning starts
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5–6 workdays a week
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Long hours during peak harvest
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Contracts tied to the growing season
Seasonal work can be a good starting point if you’re new to agriculture or just want temporary employment.
Can Non‑EU Workers Get Farm Jobs in Italy? (Visa Reality)
This is a critical point.
Yes — but only through official work visas. Italy doesn’t let people enter on tourist visas and start working legally. For non‑EU citizens, most farm jobs with visa sponsorship fall under Italy’s Decreto Flussi seasonal work permit system, which allocates annual quotas for employers to hire foreign agricultural laborers.
Key Visa Requirements:
✔ You must have a job offer from a registered Italian farm
✔ The employer must apply to hire you under the seasonal quota
✔ You need a valid passport and clean criminal record
✔ Medical fitness and basic paperwork are required
The job offer and contract from the employer come before the visa application — that’s crucial. Without a legitimate job offer first, you generally cannot get a proper work visa.
Where Farm Work Is Most Common in Italy
Agricultural jobs are spread throughout Italy, but some regions have more opportunities:
📍 Tuscany – vineyards and olive farms
📍 Sicily & Puglia – fruit orchards and citrus harvesting
📍 Emilia‑Romagna & Veneto – vegetables, dairy, grains
📍 Lombardy & Piedmont – vineyards, livestock, varied crops
Southern regions often rely more on seasonal labor during harvests, while northern farms may offer year‑round work in some cases.
What Day‑to‑Day Work Is Like
Life on a farm is not an office job — it’s physical.
Tasks often include:
✔ Picking or pruning by hand
✔ Carrying crates or equipment
✔ Operating basic farm machinery
✔ Assisting with animal care
✔ Cleaning and preparing produce for markets
Expect early starts and work outdoors in all weather — summer sun, autumn rain, or even chilly dew in the morning.
Accommodations on farm estates are often shared and basic, but farm employers sometimes provide meals and housing to support seasonal workers.
Pros and Cons — The Unfiltered View
👍 Pros
✔ Accessible with minimal formal training
✔ Visa sponsorship is possible under seasonal quotas
✔ Accommodation and sometimes meals included
✔ Work experience abroad in Europe
✔ Large seasonal demand in harvest periods
👎 Cons
✘ Physically tough, long hours
✘ Lower pay compared with many European jobs (though benefits help)
✘ Seasonal jobs only temporary in many cases
✘ Exploitation exists — some workers have faced abuses or under‑payment when illegal intermediaries are involved — so be careful and avoid unofficial recruiters
✘ You must secure a proper job offer and employer sponsorship first
There are real risks of exploitation in agriculture if workers are undocumented or don’t have contracts — this has been a major issue in some regions, with authorities prosecuting illegal labour networks.
How to Find Farm Jobs in Italy (Practical Steps)
Here’s a practical plan for job searching:
📌 1. Use Italian Job Boards
Search sites like Indeed Italy and specialized agriculture listings.
📌 2. Apply Directly to Farms or Cooperatives
Some larger wineries and cooperatives explicitly list seasonal roles.
📌 3. Work With Legit Recruiters
Avoid “agents” asking for money upfront — they’re often illegal middlemen. Instead, apply through registered employment services or companies.
📌 4. Prepare Your Documents
Keep passport, CV, basic health records, and any work references ready before contacting employers.
Final Take — The Real Outcome
Farm jobs in Italy are real and accessible, especially through the government’s seasonal visa quotas. They can be a good way to earn money, experience rural life, and possibly return year after year.
But let’s be very clear:
This is physical work with modest pay and often temporary contracts. It’s suited for people who are prepared for tough conditions and know how to avoid illegal promises or exploitation.
If you want a solid pathway to long‑term residency or higher earning potential, seasonal farming can be a start — but it’s usually not where the big salaries or careers begin.
