Italy, which is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and delectable cuisine, is also one of the largest agricultural sectors in need of laborers for agricultural positions. The global pandemic has resulted in a shortage of personnel, and Italy is now welcoming international applicants.
The country is offering agricultural work positions with visa sponsorship. This is an opportunity for you to gain experience working on family farms in the center of Italy.
Details:
- Job Title: Fruit Picker/Farm Worker/Orchard Worker
- Location: Friuli, Italy
- Job Focus: Fruit Picking and Orchard Management Learning
- Employing Body: Workaway
- Free Food: Yes
- Free Accommodation: Yes
- Visa Support: Yes
- Languages Spoken: Italian, Spanish, English, and Beginner-level German
- Employment Benefits: Yes
- Free Transportation: Yes
- Maximum No. of Hiring: More than two
- Expected Hours: Maximum 4-5 hours a day, 5 days a week
- A Little More Information: Internet Connection is available; Host Family has pets
- Host Family Members: 6
- Minimum Stay Requested: 2 weeks
Company Details:
The host family in Fruili, Italy, operates a family property that specializes in fruit farming. They have implemented novel orchard practices and have even implemented mechanical pruning on certain farms. The family is dedicated to sustainable development and extends an invitation to individuals from all walks of life to explore the majesty of Friuli and acquire knowledge about orchard running.
Demand of Fruit-Picking Jobs in Italy:
The agricultural sector in Italy is extensive, with approximately one million individuals employed. It is distinguished for its olive and fruit cultivation. In addition to offering beneficial experience, the agricultural sector also offers the opportunity to fully immerse oneself in the picturesque Italian countryside.
Requirements:
- Welcoming all individuals, regardless of their nationality.
- Welcomes participants in cultural exchange programs.
- When minors are present, child protection guidelines are adhered to.
- English, Italian, or Spanish proficiency. German proficiency at the beginner level is permissible.
Activities:
- Learn every aspect of the operation and upkeep of an innovative orchard.
- Engage in a variety of activities, including motorcycling, hiking, and water sports.
- Investigate the adjacent summer resort of Lignano.
- Engage in a language exchange program.
Check Also: Jobs in Italy for Foreigners—Visa Sponsorship
Fruit Harvesting Jobs:
Fruit harvesting jobs in Italy are in high demand throughout the year. The harvest seasons vary by region and fruit type:
- Apples: August to October (Trentino-Alto Adige, South Tyrol)
- Cherries and peaches: May to July (Emilia-Romagna, Veneto)
- Citrus fruits: November to March (Calabria, Sicily)
- Grapes: August to October (Tuscany, Piedmont)
You’ll be responsible for picking, sorting, packing, and sometimes working in packaging units. No prior experience is required, but physical fitness and stamina are essential.
Seasonal Farm Jobs:
Seasonal farm jobs in Italy include a wide range of agricultural duties:
- Planting and watering crops
- Harvesting fruits and vegetables
- Working in greenhouses
- Assisting with vineyard or orchard maintenance
- Cleaning and packing produce
These jobs are offered by both large agricultural cooperatives and small family farms, especially in Tuscany, Puglia, Emilia-Romagna, and Lombardy.
Foreign workers can apply for these roles through government quotas under Italy’s Decreto Flussi (Flow Decree), which regulates non-EU seasonal labor migration.
Agriculture Jobs:
Agriculture jobs in Italy for foreigners are open to both EU and non-EU citizens. Every year, Italy issues tens of thousands of seasonal work permits to citizens of approved countries, including:
- India
- Bangladesh
- Pakistan
- Nepal
- Morocco
- Albania
- Tunisia
- Senegal
To apply, foreign workers must be recruited by an Italian employer and go through the appropriate visa and contract process. The government usually opens applications under Decreto Flussi in the first half of the year.
Grape Picking in Family Farms:
Grape picking in Italy’s family farms is one of the most traditional and rewarding experiences for seasonal workers. These roles are popular in:
- Tuscany
- Veneto
- Piedmont
- Emilia-Romagna
Harvest season typically runs from August to October, where you’ll be handpicking grapes, transporting them in crates, and helping with winery operations.
Working on a family-owned vineyard often includes meals, lodging, and a close-knit community atmosphere.
Olive Picking Jobs:
Olive picking jobs in Italy are available during the autumn and early winter months (October to December). Major olive-producing regions include:
- Puglia
- Calabria
- Sicily
- Umbria
Tasks involve hand-picking or raking olives, cleaning, and packing. Many olive farms offer short-term jobs to international seasonal workers, especially for those with experience or good physical stamina.
Apple Picking Jobs:
Apple picking family farms in Italy, especially in South Tyrol (Trentino-Alto Adige), hire thousands of seasonal workers each year. The apple harvest season typically begins in August and lasts through October.
Work involves:
- Picking apples by hand
- Using ladders and fruit-picking tools
- Sorting and packing apples for export
Many farms provide shared accommodation, food, and competitive wages, making this one of the best fruit harvesting jobs in Italy for foreigners.
Benefits:
- Seasonal Employment: Fruit-picking occupations are typically seasonal, enabling workers to earn money during the harvest period while having the freedom to pursue other opportunities or travel during the off-season.
- Cultural Experience: Working on family farms offers a distinctive opportunity to directly experience Italian culture, traditions, and cuisine, thereby enriching both your personal and professional life.
- Physical Activity: Fruit harvesting is a physically demanding occupation that can enhance one’s overall health and well-being while working in picturesque rural environments.
- Community Environment: Family farms frequently cultivate a tight-knit community, which enables employees to establish alliances and connections with local families and other seasonal workers.
- Learning Opportunities: By acquiring knowledge about the life cycle of different fruits, sustainable farming practices, and agricultural practices, workers can improve their comprehension of food production.
- Flexible Work Hours: Numerous fruit-picking positions provide flexible hours to accommodate the requirements of their employees and promote a healthy work-life balance.
- Accommodation Options: Certain farms offer on-site accommodations or housing assistance to facilitate the transition for seasonal laborers.
- Competitive Pay: Fruit-picking occupations may provide competitive wages, particularly during peak harvest seasons, even though pay can fluctuate.
- Visa Sponsorship Opportunities: Fruit-picking jobs may offer international workers the opportunity to obtain visa sponsorship, which would enable them to legally reside and operate in Italy.
- Family Inclusion: Certain farms may permit the employment of family members, thereby enabling laborers to unite as a family while navigating the complexities of life and work in Italy.
How to Apply for Fruit Picking Jobs in Italy Family Farms 2025?
For additional information regarding these thrilling fruit-picking positions, including employment conditions, working hours, and the application process, please refer to the job posting link. Take advantage of this opportunity to work in the Italian countryside, acquire new skills, and appreciate the picturesque landscapes of Italy.
Conclusion:
Employment Opportunities in Italy: Fruit Picking Family Farms provides a distinctive opportunity to acquire vital skills in orchard management while experiencing Italy’s breathtaking countryside. For those who are interested in experiencing rural life and participating in outdoor activities, this is an excellent opportunity, as it includes complimentary transportation, meals, and lodging. These positions offer an enriching experience, regardless of whether you are interested in agriculture, culture, or a change of scenery.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is fruit picking?
Fruit picking or fruit harvesting is a seasonal activity (paid or recreational) that occurs during harvest time in areas with fruit growing wild or being farmed in orchards.
How much do fruit-picking jobs pay in Italy?
An average salary of €15,773 is earned by an entry-level fruit harvester with 1-3 years of experience. On the other hand, an average salary of €15,773 is received by a senior-level fruit harvesting machine operator with eight or more years of experience. The Assessor Platform of ERI is the origin of the data.
What fruit is most common in Italy?
Italian soil benefits from the presence of numerous active and inactive volcanoes, making it exceptionally fertile. This fertility leads to abundant and superior-quality produce harvests. Among the prevalent Italian fruits are tomatoes, citrus fruits, and cherries.