Italy’s agricultural sector remains one of the country’s economic backbones — from world-famous vineyards to olive groves and fruit farms. As of late 2025, demand for farm workers in Italy is soaring, fueled by seasonal harvests and ongoing labor shortages. According to Coldiretti, over 200,000 farm job openings arise every year, offering plenty of opportunities for both locals and foreign workers.
Whether you’re a European citizen or a non-EU worker seeking a seasonal farm job with visa sponsorship, this guide explains everything you need to know — from salaries and requirements to visa procedures and best regions for work.
🌾 Why Italy’s Farm Sector Is Hiring in 2025
Italy’s farmlands are modernizing fast, but the workforce is aging. Younger workers under 35 increased by 18% in Q2 2025 compared to 2024 — yet farms still need hands for harvest seasons, fruit picking, and livestock operations.
Key factors driving demand:
- Labor shortages after pandemic recovery.
- Seasonal harvest peaks (especially grapes, olives, and fruit).
- Growth of precision and sustainable farming.
- Government support via Decreto Flussi 2025, allowing more foreign agricultural workers.
📅 Seasonal Work Peaks in Italy
| Season | Main Activities | Popular Regions | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (Mar–May) | Fruit & vegetable planting | South (Calabria, Basilicata) | Ideal for beginners |
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | Fruit picking, vineyard maintenance | Emilia-Romagna, Puglia | High demand period |
| Autumn (Sept–Nov) | Grape & olive harvest (Vendemmia) | Tuscany, Umbria, Piedmont | Busy harvest months |
| Winter (Dec–Feb) | Greenhouse & livestock care | North (Trentino, Lombardy) | Year-round contracts available |
💶 Average Salaries for Farm Workers in Italy (2025)
Farm job salaries in Italy vary based on region, experience, and contract type. Seasonal work is usually paid hourly, while full-time jobs follow national contracts (CCNL Operai Agricoli 2022–2025).
| Role | Description | Season/Peak | Avg. Salary (€) | Key Regions | Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bracciante Agricolo (Farm Laborer) | General fieldwork: planting, weeding, harvesting | Year-round (May–Oct peak) | €1,200–1,800/month | Puglia, Sicily, Emilia-Romagna | Basic Italian, stamina |
| Raccolta Uva/Olive Picker | Picking grapes/olives for wine & oil | Sept–Nov | €1,000–1,500/season | Tuscany, Umbria, Piedmont | Teamwork, experience helpful |
| Fruit Picker (Lavoratore Stagionale Frutta) | Harvesting apples, oranges, tomatoes | May–Aug | €1,100–1,600/month | Calabria, Basilicata | Age 18+, transport access |
| Agricultural Operator (Operaio Agrario) | Operate machinery, irrigation systems | Year-round | €1,500–2,200/month | Lombardy, Veneto | Driver’s license, machinery skills |
| Livestock Handler (Addetto Allevamento) | Milking, feeding, animal care | Year-round | €1,300–1,900/month | Trentino, Emilia | Hygiene & animal handling certs |
| Green Maintenance Worker (Giardiniere) | Landscaping, pruning, garden upkeep | Spring–Fall | €1,200–1,700/month | Forlì, Asti | Tool knowledge, outdoor endurance |
| Precision Ag Technician | Drones, sensors, data for crops | Year-round | €2,000–3,000/month | Bologna, Veneto | Tech skills, under-35 preferred |
🛂 Visa Sponsorship for Non-EU Workers (Decreto Flussi 2025)
For non-EU citizens, legal farm work in Italy requires a seasonal work visa, issued under the government’s Decreto Flussi quota system.
Visa Highlights (2025 Update):
- Total visas available: 89,050 (agriculture receives the majority)
- Duration: Up to 9 months, renewable for repeat workers
- Processing time: ~30 days after submission
- Eligible countries: India, Morocco, Tunisia, Pakistan, Albania, and others
- Cost: €40–100 for visa + €30 for residence permit
✅ Application Steps:
- Job Offer: Employer applies for nulla osta (work authorization).
- Visa Application: Submit documents to the Italian Embassy/Consulate.
- Arrival in Italy: Sign contract within 8 days; apply for permesso di soggiorno (residence permit).
- Extension: Possible up to 9 months or conversion to long-term work (depending on quotas).
Tip: Always apply through verified agencies or Coldiretti Job in Country to avoid scams.
🌍 Best Regions for Farm Jobs in Italy
| Region | Major Crops | Job Type | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emilia-Romagna | Dairy, grapes | Year-round | High pay & modern farms |
| Tuscany | Wine, olives | Autumn harvest | Ideal for vendemmia workers |
| Puglia | Fruits, vegetables | Summer | Many openings, visa support |
| Sicily | Citrus, olives | Spring–Autumn | Great for first-timers |
| Lombardy | Livestock, dairy | Year-round | Skilled operator roles |
💡 Tips for Job Seekers
🧾 Where to Apply
- Official Portals:
- Job in Country (Coldiretti)
- AgriJobs.it
- EURES.europa.eu
- Indeed.it – search “lavoratore agricolo”
- Jooble.it
- Direct Applications:
Contact farms through Confagricoltura or staffing agencies like UMANA.
For volunteering or cultural exchange, try WWOOF Italia (work-for-accommodation).
📄 Preparation Tips
- Learn basic Italian (A1–A2) – even minimal fluency helps.
- Highlight any agricultural or mechanical skills on your CV.
- Get INAIL safety or hygiene certifications for better chances.
- Budget about €800–1,200/month for living costs (shared housing common).
⚠️ Stay Protected: Avoid Exploitation
Unfortunately, some informal employers may offer illegal or underpaid work.
✅ Always verify:
- Written contract signed through Sportello Unico
- Employer registration with INPS/INAIL
- Support from UILA or CISL agricultural unions