Fruit Picker Jobs in Italy
Italy’s agriculture sector is a major source of employment, particularly for seasonal workers. Fruit picker jobs in Italy are in demand during harvest seasons for crops like apples, grapes, oranges, peaches, and berries. These positions are ideal for students, seasonal workers, and foreign labor seeking temporary employment.
This article provides complete details about fruit picker jobs in Italy, including duties, salary, eligibility, and the application process.
Job Overview
Fruit pickers assist farms in harvesting and handling fruits, ensuring they reach markets in good condition. Jobs are particularly abundant in regions such as Lombardy, Veneto, Emilia-Romagna, Sicily, and Apulia.
Common Duties of a Fruit Picker:
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Picking fruits according to farm standards
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Sorting and packing fruits for shipment
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Loading harvested produce into crates or transport vehicles
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Maintaining orchard cleanliness
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Reporting damaged or spoiled fruits
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Following farm safety and hygiene guidelines
Fruit picking can be physically demanding but offers consistent seasonal employment and, in some cases, accommodation.
Salary for Fruit Picker Jobs in Italy
Salaries vary depending on region, experience, and farm size:
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Hourly Wage: €7 – €10
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Monthly Salary: €1,100 – €1,600
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With Experience or Seasonal Bonus: Up to €1,800 per month
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Accommodation & Meals: Some farms provide free or subsidized housing and meals
Northern regions and larger commercial farms tend to offer higher wages.
Mobile-Friendly Job Table
| Job Title | Region | Salary (Monthly) | Experience |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fruit Picker | Lombardy | €1,200–€1,600 | 0–1 yr |
| Berry Picker | Veneto | €1,100–€1,500 | No exp |
| Apple Harvester | Emilia-Romagna | €1,200–€1,700 | 0–2 yrs |
| Orange Picker | Sicily | €1,100–€1,500 | No exp |
| Peach Picker | Apulia | €1,150–€1,600 | 0–1 yr |
Requirements for Fruit Picker Jobs in Italy
Basic Requirements:
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Age 18 or above
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Physically fit to work long hours outdoors
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Willingness to work in varying weather conditions
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Ability to follow instructions and farm safety rules
For Foreign Workers:
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Valid passport
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Seasonal work visa (Lavoro Stagionale)
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Basic Italian or English communication skills
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Previous farm experience is advantageous but not mandatory
Seasonal work is usually available from May to September, depending on the type of crop.
How to Apply for Fruit Picker Jobs in Italy
Step 1: Prepare Resume
Include any agricultural, farm, or manual labor experience.
Step 2: Search for Jobs
Look for openings through Italian agricultural job portals, farm cooperatives, and recruitment agencies specializing in seasonal farm work.
Step 3: Contact Employers
Apply directly via email, phone, or through agencies. Some farms accept walk-in applications.
Step 4: Attend Interview or Trial
Employers may assess your ability to pick and sort fruits efficiently.
Step 5: Secure Job Contract
A formal contract is necessary, especially for visa processing for foreign workers.
Step 6: Apply for Seasonal Work Visa
Foreign applicants must apply for a Seasonal Work Visa to legally work on Italian farms.
Benefits of Fruit Picker Jobs
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Reliable seasonal income
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Accommodation and meals in some farms
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Legal work permits for foreign workers
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Opportunity to gain agricultural experience in Italy
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Possibility to extend employment in other farms or harvest seasons
Conclusion
Fruit picker jobs in Italy provide practical employment opportunities for both locals and foreign workers. With competitive pay, simple entry requirements, and high seasonal demand, these roles are ideal for anyone seeking temporary or seasonal farm work. Physical stamina, reliability, and willingness to work outdoors are key to securing these positions.