Italy is very famous for its food and farming. Many people from other countries come to work here. Italy needs workers in farms and food factories every year. Jobs are good and stable, especially for people from outside the European Union (non-EU). Italy grows a lot of fruits, vegetables, olives, grapes, and makes cheese, pasta, and meat products. That is why there is always work in agriculture and food processing.
But to work legally, you must know about the special visa system called Decreto Flussi (Flows Decree). This guide uses very simple English to help you understand everything step by step.
Two Paths to Employment: Seasonal vs. Year-Round
In Italy, you can find two main types of jobs in agriculture and food:
Seasonal Agriculture (Very High Demand)
This job is for short time only – usually 3 to 9 months. It is perfect if you want to work during harvest time and then go home or travel.
Main Jobs:
- Fruit picking (apples, oranges, lemons, tomatoes)
- Grape picking (this is called Vendemmia – very famous in Italy)
- Vegetable harvest
- Olive harvest
These jobs normally start from March and finish in October or November. The exact months depend on the crop and the area.
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Best Places for Seasonal Jobs:
- South Italy: Puglia, Sicily, Calabria – many fruits and vegetables
- North Italy: Veneto, Tuscany, Trentino – grapes for wine and apples
Many farms give free house and sometimes food with the job.
Food Processing & Manufacturing (Stable, Year-Round)
These jobs last the whole year. They are inside factories, not outside in the fields. The work is cleaner and the salary is usually higher.
Main Jobs:
- Packing food
- Sorting fruits or products
- Working on machines
- Quality control (check if food is good and safe)
- Warehouse work (moving boxes)
Best Places for Factory Jobs:
- Emilia-Romagna (Parma, Bologna, Modena) – world capital of Parmesan cheese, Parma ham, and pasta
- Lombardy and Piedmont – also many big food companies
Some jobs need simple training or a certificate like HACCP (this is a food safety certificate). It is easy and cheap to get.
The Decreto Flussi: Your Visa Gateway
If you are not from Europe, you cannot just come and work. You need a proper work visa. The only legal way for most people is the Decreto Flussi.
Every year the Italian government says: “We need this many foreign workers”. They open the application only for a few days or weeks. It is very important to be ready!
How the Process Works (Simple Steps)
Find an Employer First
You must have a real Italian boss who wants to hire you. The boss applies for you.
Nulla Osta (Work Permit)
The employer asks the government for a paper called Nulla Osta. This paper says “Yes, this person can come and work”. There are limited places (quotas). In agriculture and food processing, thousands of places open every year, but you must be fast.
Apply for Visa
When your employer gets the Nulla Osta, you take it to the Italian Embassy or Consulate in your country and apply for the work visa. After the visa is in your passport, you can travel to Italy.
Important Tips:
- The Decreto Flussi usually opens in January, February, or March every year (dates change).
- Seasonal workers and year-round workers have different days to apply.
- Many people use legal agencies or farmer associations to help them find a real employer and do the papers correctly.
Compensation and Life as an Agricultural Worker
Salary and Benefits
Seasonal Farm Worker:
- You normally get paid by the hour or by the kilo you pick.
- Average pay is 6–10 euros per hour (depends on region).
- Many farms give free accommodation (shared house or dormitory) and sometimes meals.
- You can save a lot of money because you don’t pay rent or food.
Food Factory Worker:
- Monthly salary usually 1,300–1,800 euros (after tax around 1,000–1,400 euros).
- Normal 8-hour day, 5 or 6 days a week.
- You get paid holidays, sick leave, and health insurance like Italian workers.
Best Regions to Look For Jobs
| Region | Main Products | Best Jobs | Accommodation Often Given? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Veneto & Tuscany | Grapes (wine), olives, apples | Grape harvest, fruit picking, winery work | Yes (seasonal) |
| Emilia-Romagna | Cheese, ham, pasta | Factory packing, quality control, warehouse | Sometimes |
| Puglia & Sicily | Olives, citrus, tomatoes | Fruit/vegetable picking, olive harvest | Yes (very common) |
| Trentino-Alto Adige | Apples, berries | Apple picking (September–November) | Yes |
| Piedmont | Rice, wine, hazelnuts | Rice planting/harvest, grape harvest | Sometimes |
If you want to stay longer, look for jobs in Emilia-Romagna or big companies – they often help you change from seasonal visa to year-round visa later.
How to Find These Jobs (Practical Advice)
- Register with good agencies – Look for licensed agencies in your country that work with Italy (ask the Italian Embassy for the list).
- Join Facebook groups – Search “Lavoro Agricoltura Italia”, “Vendemmia 2026”, “Italian Farm Jobs for Foreigners”.
- Check official websites – EURES (European Job Portal), ClicLavoro (Italian government job site).
- Contact farmer associations – Coldiretti, Confagricoltura – they help connect workers and farmers.
- Be ready in December/January – This is when employers start looking for next season.
Documents You Need Ready
- Valid passport (at least 18 months left)
- CV in simple English or Italian
- Photos (passport size)
- Any certificate (HACCP, driving license – helpful but not always needed)
Conclusion: Seize the Italian Opportunity
Italy really needs workers in agriculture and food processing. The country produces the best food in the world, and they cannot do it without help from foreign workers. If you are hard-working and ready to follow the rules, you can get a good job, save money, eat amazing food, and maybe stay longer in Europe.
Start preparing today:
- Follow the news about next Decreto Flussi (2026 dates will come out end of 2025).
- Contact agencies now.
- Improve your CV and learn a few Italian words (it helps a lot!).
🇮🇹 Italy is waiting for you!
Ready to apply? Start looking on the best job websites and talk to licensed agencies today. Good luck – your Italian adventure can start very soon!
Disclaimer:
This information is only to help you learn. The Decreto Flussi rules and dates change every year. Always check the official Italian Ministry of Interior website or the Italian Embassy in your country before you apply or travel. Do not pay money to anyone who promises “guaranteed visa” without a real employer – many scams exist. Stay safe!
