Italy’s countryside has always run on seasonal hands, and 2026 is no different. From the vineyards of Piedmont to the citrus groves of Sicily, farms across the country continue to look for workers for planting, tending, and harvest seasons. For job seekers open to physical outdoor work, farm jobs in Italy remain one of the most accessible entry points into the Italian labour market. Many farms also provide seasonal accommodation, which makes these roles practical for workers relocating from other regions or from abroad.
Job Overview
- Role: Farm Worker / Agricultural Labourer (bracciante agricolo)
- Industry: Agriculture – fruit, vegetables, vineyards, olives, livestock
- Typical employment type: Seasonal and fixed-term contracts; some year-round roles on larger farms
Key Responsibilities
- Planting, transplanting, and sowing crops according to the season
- Harvesting fruit, vegetables, and grapes by hand
- Pruning vines and olive trees and clearing fields
- Operating basic farm tools and, on some farms, tractors or other machinery
- Sorting, grading, and packing produce for transport
- Feeding animals and basic livestock care on mixed farms
- Maintaining irrigation lines and keeping work areas tidy
- Assisting with greenhouse work such as watering and ventilation control
- Helping load produce onto collection trucks at the end of the day
Requirements
- Good physical fitness and the ability to work outdoors in all weather
- Willingness to do repetitive manual tasks during long harvest shifts
- Basic Italian is a strong advantage for instructions and safety briefings
- Previous farm experience is helpful but often not required
- Valid work authorization for Italy – non-EU workers need an employer-sponsored permit
- Minimum working age of 18 for most farm roles
- Readiness to start early in the morning, as harvest work often begins at dawn
Salary Expectations
Farm workers in Italy are typically paid under national agricultural contracts, and monthly earnings can generally range from around €1,100 to €1,600 gross for full-time seasonal work, depending on the region, the crop, and the contract type. Piece-rate harvest work can pay more during peak weeks, but income varies with output. Overtime, weekend work, and accommodation offered by some employers can all affect the overall package. In southern regions where much seasonal harvesting takes place, daily rates are also common, and total seasonal earnings depend on the length of the harvest. Workers hired through agricultural cooperatives usually receive the same contract protections as directly hired staff.
How to Apply
Start by checking the career or recruitment pages of large agricultural cooperatives and producers, and browse Italy’s official public job portals such as the Ministry of Labour’s Cliclavoro portal and regional employment centres (Centri per l’Impiego). Seasonal recruitment often runs through agricultural associations and licensed staffing agencies. If you are applying from outside the EU, work only with licensed recruitment agencies in your home country and never pay large upfront fees – legitimate employers do not ask workers to pay for a job offer. Agricultural job fairs held in farming regions each spring are another useful route, and many workers find their first seasonal contract through friends or relatives already working on Italian farms.
Application Tips
- Apply one to two months before the harvest season for your target crop
- Highlight any outdoor or manual work experience on your CV
- Learn basic Italian words for farm tools, safety, and directions
- Stay flexible about location – harvest work moves between regions
- Keep copies of your contract and payslips from day one
- Pack sturdy boots, gloves, and sun protection before you travel to the farm
Farm work in Italy is demanding but offers a genuine foothold in the country for newcomers. With the right timing and preparation, a seasonal contract can grow into longer-term agricultural employment.