For those who want to experience seasonal work in Spain, farm work is an option to consider. Even for those who do not yet have professional qualifications or do not speak foreign languages very well, this can be an interesting way to get to know new countries, earn some money and get in touch with other workers of all nationalities.
Like the entire world of work, the agricultural sector has undergone many changes in recent decades. The profession has increasingly become a skilled job that requires specific training and specific knowledge (also to reduce the risk of occupational accidents, especially among the youngest and most inexperienced), for example, in handling vehicles or agricultural equipment.
However, there are still manual activities, such as picking fruits and vegetables can be a good opportunity for seasonal work.
It is a strenuous activity concentrated over a relatively short period of time, with a minimum work schedule of 36 hours per week. Room and board are often provided by the company. Most positions are offered for the summer season from May through September, but many countries require year-round employment for certain types of collections.
Prior experience or special qualifications are not required; workers with experience in the agricultural sector or special skills may apply for longer-term jobs such as supervision, quality control, repair, and operation of machinery.
To apply, it is sufficient to send the employer an email with your personal data, nationality, qualifications and the period for which you are available. It is not necessary to attach a CV or a photo unless specifically requested.
To understand when to move, it is important to know harvest dates by product type and region. At the local level, one can contact farms directly or check through employment offices, professional associations, or advertisements in magazines or on specialized websites.
Harvest times vary from region to region and depend on the type of product. Since the farms often, but not always, offer board and lodging, it is necessary to look for accommodation that is not too far from the place of work before leaving.
Wages vary depending on the type of product collected, the difficulty of the collection process, and the country in which one works.
To find seasonal work in Spain, you can consult the EURES database or conduct a search directly in the field, arriving in the chosen area just before collection. Therefore, it is important to find out the best periods in each region before leaving.
Agriculture is an important source of seasonal employment opportunities in Spain, especially in organic farming. You can submit your application through specific websites for finding jobs in this sector or contact companies or cooperatives directly.
- Agroterra, job opportunities in the agricultural sector
- Anecoop, list of Spanish agricultural cooperatives grouped by geographical order
- Picking jobs, job search engine for picking fruits, vegetables and flowers in the world
- Frutas – Hortalizas, online guide to all Spanish companies that produce fruits and vegetables
I would also like to point out WWOOF, (World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms). It is a worldwide movement that matches volunteers with organic farmers and growers. In exchange for your work (usually 4/5 hours per day), you receive room and board but no financial compensation. However, you will have the opportunity to learn the language of the country and learn new things in agriculture and other fields. You have to pay a registration fee for each country you want to join.
If you want to have all the information about how to work in Spain, I recommend you to read the article: Working in Spain
