The agricultural sector in France is of great importance to the country’s economy. France ranks first in Europe in the production of cereals and sugar beets and second in the production of wine and milk. Therefore, it is quite easy to find a job in agriculture in France. Livestock farming is also very important with numerous cattle, pig, sheep and goat farms.
Cereal farming predominates in the north and center of the country. In the western part, cattle farming predominates. In Brittany, along the Loire River and in the Rhône Valley, horticulture, fruit growing and viticulture are the main activities. The regions of Aquitaine, Languedoc-Roussillon, Alsace and Burgundy are famous for their wine production.
Given the importance and size of the agricultural sector throughout the French territory, it is not difficult to find a job in agriculture in France, which employs nearly one million seasonal workers each year. This work can be done even without a college degree or professional experience. Most requests are related to the summer season or the harvest time of the product, but there are also farms that are looking for staff throughout the year. For seasonal or temporary work, room and board are usually included. Remuneration is based on the provisions of the applicable collective bargaining agreements.
Remember that work in the field is heavy and physically demanding.
Agricultural jobs in France, job search
I would like to point out these websites for job search in the agricultural sector:
- Pole-Emploi, also contains many offers for seasonal agricultural work
- ANEFA, the portal contains information as well as offers for temporary or permanent jobs in the agricultural and livestock sector
- APCA, (Assemblée Permanente des Chambres d’Agriculture) offers job opportunities for technicians in the sector
- Agricultureannonces, an online newspaper specialized in agriculture with a section for job offers
- Apecita, association promoting job placement in the agri-food sector
Potato harvesting in France
Potato harvesting is a seasonal work that takes place in August, September and October and can vary slightly depending on meteorological conditions. Employment agencies and farmers start looking for personnel as early as May.
Potato harvesting is done by machine, and the manual work consists in selecting the potatoes. This work is done immediately after harvesting in the field. All waste collected together with the potatoes (soil, stones, rotten potatoes, grass, etc.) must be removed. Employees work 6 days a week.
The work is exhausting, you have to be on your feet all day, but it takes place in a pleasant environment and you have the opportunity to talk to your colleagues (this also helps to improve your language). Some companies provide accommodation, others do not. If they do not provide one, they will recommend a nearby accommodation and pick you up in the morning with a van. For job search you can contact Pole-Emploi
Grape harvest in France
This is also a seasonal work, mainly carried out in September, although the dates may vary slightly depending on the weather. The grapes can be harvested manually or mechanically. Two people are mainly needed: the picker (the one who cuts the grapes and puts them in a basket) and the loader (the one who puts these baskets in the transport vehicle).
The work is physically demanding and paid according to the law (about 10 €/hour). The week consists of 35 working hours. Language skills are not essential for the work, but at least basic knowledge is required both to talk about the work and to find accommodation, because not all companies offer it, and if they do, it is without embargo. It is. It will be deducted from your salary. To find a job, you can enter the search term “vendangeur’ (harvest) or ‘vendange’ (harvest) on Pole-Emploi
Viotijob, is an agency specialized in job offers in the wine sector. For professionals
All information about the grape harvest in France can be found in the related article
For all the information about how to work in France, I recommend you to read the related article.
