Washington Emmy's blog : From the UK to Tuscany: Your 2025 Guide to Landing a Farm Job in Italy
For many, the thought of Italy conjures images of ancient cities, stunning coastlines, and world-class cuisine. But beyond the tourist hotspots lies the heart of the country: a vibrant agricultural landscape. From the rolling vineyards of Tuscany to the olive groves of Puglia, Italy's world-renowned food and wine industry is powered by the hard work of dedicated individuals.
And here’s a secret many don't know: this vital sector has a consistent demand for international workers. For someone in the UK looking for a unique life experience, a seasonal adventure, or even a new career path, securing one of the many agricultural roles is a surprisingly accessible goal.
This guide will walk you through the opportunities available, the legal pathways for non-EU citizens, and how to find legitimate work in the Italian countryside.
Why Italy's Farms are Looking for You
Italy's agricultural economy is famous for its high-quality, labour-intensive products like wine grapes, olives, citrus fruits, and specialty vegetables. Much of this work is seasonal, creating a huge demand for workers during peak planting and harvesting times that cannot always be met by the local labour force.
This creates a fantastic opportunity for foreigners to experience authentic Italian culture while earning a fair wage.
What Kind of Farm Jobs Can You Get?
The roles are diverse and often require no prior experience, just a willingness to work hard. The most common opportunities include:
Grape Harvesting (Vendemmia): A classic Italian experience, typically from August to October, working in vineyards to pick grapes for wine production.
Olive Picking: From October to December, workers are needed to harvest olives for Italy's famous olive oil.
Fruit and Vegetable Harvesting: Seasonal work picking everything from citrus fruits in Sicily to tomatoes and artichokes across the country.
General Farm Hand: Year-round roles that can involve everything from tending to livestock and maintaining equipment to assisting with planting and farm upkeep.
The Legal Pathway: Understanding the "Decreto Flussi"
For non-EU citizens, including those from the UK post-Brexit, the primary legal route to work in Italian agriculture is through the "Decreto Flussi" (Flows Decree). This is an annual quota set by the Italian government that specifies how many non-EU workers can be admitted for seasonal and non-seasonal work.
The process works like this:
An Italian employer identifies a need for a foreign worker.
They apply for a work permit on your behalf under the quotas set by the Decreto Flussi.
Once the permit is granted, you can then apply for your work visa at the Italian consulate in your home country.
This process is highly regulated. For the most accurate, official information on the annual quotas and requirements, it is essential to refer to authoritative sources like the Italian Ministry of Labour and Social Policies (Ministero del Lavoro e delle Politiche Sociali).
How to Find Legitimate Farm Jobs in Italy
Finding a trustworthy employer who is willing to handle the sponsorship process is the most critical step. While you can search on broad international job sites, this can be time-consuming and filled with unverified listings.
A far more effective strategy is to use a specialised platform that focuses on curating these specific international roles. Using a dedicated resource that consolidates
For a taste of the beautiful regions you could be working in, the official
Conclusion: An Unforgettable Opportunity
Working on a farm in Italy is more than just a job; it's an immersion in a culture that values good food, hard work, and a life lived with passion. It's a chance to learn new skills, see a beautiful country from a unique perspective, and be part of a tradition that is cherished around the world. With the right information and a strategic approach, this incredible experience is well within your reach.
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