Best Countries For Fruit Picking Jobs
If you have been looking for the best countries for fruit picking jobs, hello, you’ve come to the right place!
Fruit picking jobs are an excellent way for students, travelers, or anyone who’s looking to keep their budget in check when traveling and for saving up for your next destination. It also often comes with perks like great views, accommodation, and finding new friends!
Fruit pickers are usually tasked with selecting vegetables and fruits for picking according to size and ripeness and discarding produce that is over-ripened or rotting. There is more fruit picking than just fruits, harvest for vegetables and nuts are also highly in demand depending on where you choose to go.
If you’re hoping to make some extra money on your next holiday trip or if you’re looking to work abroad during your gap year, fruit picking would be a great choice as there are many opportunities available around the world, and you’ll get to save more too!
In this article we’ll be covering :
- 9 Best Countries For Fruit Picking – All the best countries you should check out for fruit picking jobs and the requirements needed
- What To Expect When Fruit Picking – What to expect when you take on a fruit picking job and how to do it efficiently
- What To Consider When Looking For A Fruit Picking Job? – Seasons, regions and types of harvest of the country you plan to head to
- What Are The Work Hours and Working Conditions Like? – How long and work conditions like at the farm
- Tips For Making The Best Of Your Fruit Picking Job – All the best tips to have a great fruit picking job in your chosen country
DISCLOSURE
Some of the links on here are affiliate links and I may earn if you click on them, AT NO EXTRA cost to you. I hope you find the information here useful! Thank you!
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- Learn All About Fruit Picking Jobs In Norway!
- A Brief Guide To Fruit Picking Jobs In Japan
- Your Guide To Finding The Best Fruit Picking Jobs In Switzerland
- Your Guide To Finding The Best Fruit Picking Jobs In New Zealand
- Fruit Picking Jobs in Adelaide (A Unique Guide)
- The Ultimate Guide to Fruit Picking Jobs in Queensland
- Fruit Picking Jobs in Melbourne ( A step by step guide)
8 Best Countries For Fruit Picking Jobs
1. Canada
Where To Find Fruit Picking Jobs in Canada?
According to Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, the two largest provinces that produce commercial fruits for sale are Ontario and British Columbia (BC).
British Columbia is the biggest producer of blueberries, sweet cherries, and raspberries for Canada but that’s not all. They also grow apples, peaches, and grapes – giving you lots of options to choose from!
On the other hand, Ontario is the biggest producer of apples in Canada but also has plums, peaches, grapes, prunes, strawberries, cherries, and more grown in the province.
You can look for fruit or berry picking jobs in these areas through job search sites and local associations that can help you look for a fruit picking job in BC or Ontario. The following are some sites you can fruit picking jobs in Canada:
British Columbia (BC)
Ontario:
Other locations you can consider looking for fruit picking jobs are in Quebec, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick. You can find more fruit picking jobs on job sites such as:
- Local Newspaper
- Contact the farm company directly
- Search the internet for “fruit picking jobs (location) near me”
What Is The Minimum Wage For Fruit Picking In Canada?
The average fruit picker in Canada makes around CAD11.98 (USD9.5) per hour or CAD23,351 (USD18,628) per year. But if you work hard and excel at your task, you can earn up to CAD 25 (USD 20) an hour.
Well, most farm employers use the piece-rate wage system to pay fruit pickers in Canada. This is a system where you will be paid based on the weight of the fruits you’ve picked for the day. The more you pick, the more you get paid for.
However, if you’re worried that you won’t be paid enough, don’t. Farm employers in Canada are required to pay no less than the minimum wage stated in the Employment Standard Act and Regulation.
What Are The Visa Requirements To Be A Fruit Picker In Canada?
The most important thing to know when applying for fruit picker jobs in Canada is that you will have to be legally living and working in Canada for you to be eligible to apply to be a fruit picker in the country.
Regardless of whichever country you’re from, you will need a working visa or permit to work in Canada. If you are not authorized to stay in the country, your job application will most likely be rejected or declined.
Some of the visa programs you can apply to are:
- Temporary Foreign Workers Program
- Designed for those who want to work in Canada for a short period of time.
- Working Holiday Visa under the International Experience Canada Program
- Gives youth the opportunity to travel and work in Canada for up to 2 years.
- Open Work Permit
- Work permit that is not specific to a certain job and allows you to change employers as long as the permit is valid.
- Seasonal Agricultural Work Program
- Employers are allowed to hire temporary foreign workers (TFW) when Canadians or permanent residents are not available for work.
For more information on fruit picking in Canada, check out Canada Fruit Picking Jobs – A Complete Guide for the best times to go and more tips on fruit picking in Canada.
2. Italy
Where To Find Fruit Picking Jobs in Italy?
The easiest way to find a fruit picking job in Italy is to visit the local information center and enquire about fruit picking jobs. They should be able to provide you with a list of farms in the area and information about what the salary for fruit picking is like there.
You can also opt to go to agricultural cooperatives in the area or local employment offices, although it would be best if you could contact the farms directly.
You can also go through work exchange platforms and other job-search sites to look for fruit-picking jobs in Italy. Work exchange platforms offer more of a cultural experience so if that’s something you’re looking for, try these sites:
Other websites and methods that can be helpful for you to find paid fruit picking jobs in Italy include:
- Contact the farm company directly
- Search the internet for “fruit picking jobs (location) near me”
What Is The Minimum Wage For Fruit Picking In Italy?
The average fruit picker in Italy makes a gross salary of 15.773 EUR (18.6 USD) equivalent to 8 EUR (9.44USD) an hour, or roughly 1046 EUR (1228 USD) a month, sometimes more.
Depending on the farm you’ll be working in. you may be paid per weight for the fruits and vegetables that you pick but payment can vary based on the type of produce.
What Are The Visa Requirements To Be A Fruit Picker In Italy?
If you are not an EU citizen, and you intend to head to Italy for farm work you will need a visa or a working permit to be a fruit picker in Italy. There are two types of visas, a long-stay one, and a short-stay visa.
- Long-Stay Visa (Per soggiorno di lunga durata)
You are permitted to stay in Italy for more than 90 days with this visa as it is mainly for study, work, or family reasons. You will need to provide relevant documents based on the type of visa you will be applying for to confirm your reason for coming to Italy.
- Short-Stay Visa (Per soggiorno di breve durata )
You are permitted to stay in Italy for 90 days with this visa. It is mostly used for business trips, a vacation, or cultural visits.
You can also speak to your employer and find out if they can get a visa for you. Applications can be made with the following associations:
Check out this article on Fruit Picking Jobs Italy: All You Need to Know for more information on fruit picking jobs in Italy.
3. Australia
Where To Find Fruit Picking Jobs in Australia?
Fruit picking is a favorite among backpackers who travel to Australia. Fruit picking in Australia offers a range of different locations you can explore with lots of different products ready for harvesting all year round.
Some of the well-known locations for fruit picking in Australia are Perth, Adelaide, Queensland Tasmania, New South Wales, and Brisbane.
The best way to find fruit picking jobs in Australia is to do your research beforehand. Decide where in Australia you plan to go and look up job boards to find a suitable fruit picking job for you. You can also get in touch with the farm directly to get more details about farm picking jobs.
Some job-search sites for fruit picking that you could try include:
What Is The Minimum Wage For Fruit Picking In Australia?
You will be paid according to the National Minimum Wage for harvest work which is at AUD20.33 (USD15) per hour according to the Australian Government Fair Work website.
There are two ways you can get paid as a fruit picker in Australia – hourly or by piece rate. Being paid hourly means you will be paid an amount that has been agreed to per hour whereas by piece rate means you will be paid based on the number of fruits you’ve picked.
What Are The Visa Requirements To Be A Fruit Picker In Australia?
For you to be a fruit picker in Australia, it’s important to ensure you are eligible to work in the country by getting a suitable visa. You can apply for the First Working Holiday Visa (subclass 417) that allows individuals to carry out short-term work in Australia to pay for their travels.
The following are the requirements:
- You must have a valid passport
- You must be 18 – 30 years old (except for Canadian, Irish and French citizens who can be 18-35 years old)
- You must have around AUD 5,000 (3694 USD) for your initial stay in Australia and for your fare to leave the country.
- You’ll need to apply online from outside Australia
- You must not be accompanied by dependents (e.g. children)
- You have not entered Australia previously with a subclass 417 (eligible to apply for a second year long working holiday visa) or 462 (not eligible to apply for a second year work holiday visa) visa.
This visa allows for a maximum of 12 months’ stay in the country and can take between 3 to 7 months to process.
For more information on fruit picking jobs in Australia, give the articles below a read to learn more!
- Fruit Picking Jobs in Adelaide (A Unique Guide)
- The Ultimate Guide to Fruit Picking Jobs in Queensland
- A Guide to Fruit Picking Jobs In Australia
- Fruit Picking Jobs in NSW, Australia
- Your Guide To Finding The Best Fruit Picking Jobs In Tasmania
- Fruit Picking Jobs In Brisbane [The Ultimate Guide]
- Essential Guide To Fruit Picking Jobs In Perth
4. United Kingdom (UK)
Where To Find Fruit Picking Jobs In The UK?
Many are not aware that there are so many vacancies for fruit picking jobs in the UK, particularly around London. If you’re considering heading to the UK anytime soon and you’re wondering if there’s anything you could do to earn some extra money, this is for you!
There are a few ways you can try to look for fruit picking jobs in the UK, both online and also offline. Here are some sites you can check out:
What Is The Minimum Wage For Fruit Picking In The UK?
On average, you will be able to earn up to GBP 500 (693 USD) per week subject to UK tax and National Insurance Contributions (NIC) set by the government. You can reclaim the tax you pay when you leave the country but this is subject to individual earnings and circumstances.
How much you make fruit picking in the UK depends on the types of fruit you pick, your productivity rate, and your employer.
Fruit picking jobs in the UK are mostly paid based on a piece-rate system whereby the more you pick, the more you earn. However, the rates will have to be in line with the national minimum wage of GBP 8.91 (12.18 USD) per hour that changes every 1st of April of every year.
What Are The Visa Requirements To Be A Fruit Picker In The UK?
It is important to have a relevant work permit or visa for you to be eligible to work in the UK as an international worker. For non-EU citizens, there are three types of visas you can consider that allows you to get fruit picking jobs in the UK:
- If you intend to work in ‘edible horticulture or ‘pork butchery” for up to 6 months
- If you want to do poultry work or drive heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) to transport food up to a certain period.
- Youth Mobility Scheme Visa
- If you have certain types of British Nationality or are from certain countries or territories and want to live and work in the UK for up to 2 years
- Graduate Visa
- Allows you to stay in the UK for at least 2 years after successfully completing a course in the UK
If you are an EU citizen or if your family is from Norway, EU, Switzerland, Iceland, or Liechtenstein, you are entitled to apply for the EU Settlement Scheme. This scheme will give you settled or pre-settled status, allowing you to work, travel, study and access public funds for 5 years continuously.
It is a good option for those looking for other opportunities after the picking season ends in the UK.
Check out this Guide On How To Find Fruit Picking Jobs In UK to get more info on UK fruit picking jobs.
5. Norway
Where To Find Fruit Picking Jobs In Norway?
Norway is known for its berries such as strawberries, blueberries, lingonberries, and cloudberries among others. You can also find apples, plums, cherries, and pears growing in certain regions of the country – perfect if you’re looking for seasonal fruit picking jobs.
Fruit picking jobs in Norway are usually in demand between July to October as they have a relatively short growing season. Most farms will start looking for fruit pickers around that time so if you’re planning to head to Norway, it would be best to check ahead and secure a job just in time for the harvest season.
The following are some sites you can look through to find a suitable fruit picking job in Norway for you:
- EURES – A European Commission Jobs Network
- Arbeidplassen (website in Norwegian)
What Is The Minimum Wage For Fruit Picking In Norway?
Agricultural workers in which fruit pickers will fall under make a minimum of 134.90 NOK (15.49 USD) per hour for those who work between 3 to 6 months. Those employed for more than 6 months will enjoy an hourly wage of 149.30 NOK (17.14 USD).
Generally, Norway does not have a national minimum wage but thanks to a strong trade union movement in the country, there is a minimum wage for agricultural workers in the industry.
What Are The Visa Requirements To Be A Fruit Picker In Norway?
If you are not an EU citizen, you must get a work visa before working in the country. Norway has strict immigration laws so without a visa, you risk getting into trouble if you are found working with a tourist visa in the country.
There are 3 visas you can consider getting for you to do fruit picking jobs in Norway, which are:
- Seasonal Work Visa
- For jobs that can only be carried out during certain times in the year or if you are a holiday stand-in for a permanent employee.
- Working Holiday Visa
- For young adults who are a working guest in agriculture, an artist, musician or an employee of a humanitarian, non-profit or religious organisation.
- Working Guests in Agriculture Visa
- For young adults who are looking to work as a guest in agriculture.
If you are an EU citizen, you won’t need a visa to get a fruit-picking job in Norway. You can just head to the nearest police station and register yourself within 3 months of your arrival. You will be required to present your employment contract and certificate given by your employer.
For more information on fruit picking jobs in Norway read this article; Learn All About Fruit Picking Jobs In Norway!
6. Japan
Where To Find Fruit Picking Jobs In Japan?
Japan produces a lot of fresh produce, especially fruits as they are one the most in-demand fruit suppliers in the world for their quality and freshness. However, Japan is facing a worker shortage as their population ages with no one to take over agricultural work.
This is great news for those looking for fruit picking jobs in Japan because there is a vast demand for fruit pickers in the agricultural sector. Here’s how you can look for fruit picking jobs in Japan:
Optionally, if you are planning to use a Specified Skilled Workers Visa, you can look for jobs on these sites:
- Japan Agricultural Exchange Council (site in Japanese)
- Job Board (site in Japanese)
Keep in mind that jobs under the Specified Skilled Workers Visa are considered full-time jobs and you will need to fully dedicate your working time as per the work agreement.
What Is The Minimum Wage For Fruit Picking In Japan?
The minimum wage in Japan differs across states but an average fruit picker in Japan can expect to earn a minimum of 930 Yen (8.47 USD) per hour and yield almost 148,000 Yen (1,355.63 USD) per month.
What Are The Visa Requirements To Be A Fruit Picker In Japan?
Japan has strict immigration policies regarding work and foreign workers. All foreign workers, even fruit workers are required to have a valid working visa or you risk getting in trouble.
There are two types of visas you can consider:
- Working Holiday Visa Program
- Work holiday visa holders are permitted to work part time while they stay in Japan.
- Specified Skilled Workers Visa
- For foreign workers with certain expertises and skills who can start work immediately in case of labour shortages.
Be sure to read up on the requirements, details, and the necessary information you may need before buying your ticket to Japan or before applying to become a fruit picker in Japan. For more details read A Brief Guide To Fruit Picking Jobs In Japan.
7. Switzerland
Where To Find Fruit Picking Jobs In Switzerland?
Switzerland has recently topped the list as one of the best countries to live in due to its competitive hiring salaries and high living standards. It is also abundant with produce, mostly fruits, and vegetables.
Some of the more common produce harvested in Switzerland include pears, apples, berries, apricots, and grapes. If you’re looking for apple picking jobs or grape picking jobs, this is the place for you.
If you are looking for a fruit picking job in Switzerland, here are some sites you can use to start looking:
Contact Employers Directly
Facebook Groups
What Is The Minimum Wage For Fruit Picking In Switzerland?
The average minimum wage for a fruit picker in Switzerland is between CHF 14-20 (US$15-22) per hour but this depends on the type of fruit you will be picking and the region in which you will be doing your fruit picking job in Switzerland.
What Are The Visa Requirements To Be A Fruit Picker In Switzerland?
Fruit picking jobs in Switzerland can be challenging for foreigners who are not from Switzerland or the EU but not impossible.
As a foreigner looking to work in Switzerland, you will first need to find a job and get a job offer before you can apply for a visa to enter the country. Seasonal jobs in Switzerland can be difficult to find because there isn’t a specific visa for seasonal work in Switzerland.
You will need to apply for a Schengen category D visa that is meant for foreign nationals who intend to study, work or be with family members in Switzerland. You will also need a work permit that serves as your residence permit. Your employer will need to apply this for you.
Depending on the circumstances, you will either receive Permit B or Permit L:
- Permit L – is a short-term residence permit that allows foreigners to stay in Switzerland for up to a year and is tied to your employment contract. You can extend your permit if you will be continuing work for the same employer.
- Permit B – are issued in limited numbers and are normally renewed every year. It is tied to the limits where you can live and to your employer as well.
Other special visas you can use to do fruit picking jobs are:
- Student Visa – if you’re in the country with a student visa, you can work up to 15 hours a week. However, you will need to wait for at least 6 months after arriving in Switzerland and your employer will have to get it for you.
- Family Visa – if you or a family member have a C Settlement Permit, they can work in Switzerland.
For more details on how to find fruit picking jobs in Switzerland, check out Your Guide To Finding The Best Fruit Picking Jobs In Switzerland.
8. Scotland
Where To Find Fruit Picking Jobs In Scotland?
Scotland may not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of fruit picking jobs, but its fertile land and temperate climate that makes it ideal for various fruits and vegetables – make it a pretty great option.
Here are some places and websites you can check out to find great fruit picking jobs in Scotland that may pique your interest:
Best Fruit Picking Spots in Scotland:
Websites:
What Is The Minimum Wage For Fruit Picking In Scotland?
The National Minimum Wage is GBP 98.91 (12.29 USD) if you’re older than 23 years old and GBP8.36 (USD11.53) per hour if you are between 18 to 22 years old. Fruit pickers in Scotland usually get paid based on piece rates which means that you will be paid according to how much you’ve harvested.
If you think you’ve been paid unfairly at any point, you can refer to the National Minimum Wage on the National UK Government Website to find out more.
What Are The Visa Requirements To Be A Fruit Picker In Scotland?
To be a fruit picker in Scotland, you will need to apply for the Temporary Worker Visa (T5) that allows certain types of temporary workers to enter the UK For cultural, charitable, and agricultural purposes.
This visa is valid for 6 months and to qualify, you’ll need to provide the following items:
- A valid passport
- A certificate of sponsorship from your employer
- A bank statement that shows you have at least GBP945 (USD1,303) in savings before you apply
- A Tuberculosis certificate (if needed)
It’s quite simple to get a visa but you will have to ensure that you have everything you need (documents and all!) ready and that you have met the set requirements beforehand.
This Guide To Fruit Picking Jobs In Scotland will help you learn more about everything you need to know about fruit picking in Scotland.
What To Expect When Fruit Picking?
Fruit picking may sound pretty easy to do but it can get quite tiresome if you’re physically fit or an early person. Don’t let that deter you though, anyone with an average fitness level can do it, and so can you!
Here are some pointers for what you can expect when you take on a fruit picking job:
- Early mornings, usually starting at dawn
- Standing for long hours
- Being outdoors in all kinds of weather conditions
- Lots of carrying items around – ladders, small containers, or canvas drop cloths.
- Flexible working hours depending on how hot or cold the weather is
- Lots and lots of teamwork!
- Working at certain heights
To do your job efficiently, these are some skills you should be equipped with before arriving at the farm:
- Fit and healthy without any major health conditions
- Self-motivated and hard-working
- Enjoy learning and can apply new processes quickly and efficiently
- Have clear and good communication skills
- Good at taking and following instructions
- Have some basic knowledge of basic produce
What To Consider When Looking For A Fruit Picking Job?
When looking for a fruit picking job, there are several things you should consider before heading to your preferred destination such as the weather, type of harvest, and the regions you’ll be heading to.
The jobs you will be required to do may vary from one location to another, so make sure you do your research thoroughly and don’t wait too long before applying for a fruit picking job that you like.
Here are some pointers for what to consider when you’re looking for the perfect fruit picking job:
1. Seasons
Different countries experience different seasons at different times of the year. Take note of the weather, temperature, and conditions of the state or country you’re planning to head to as most farms do not operate during cold weather like winter.
Also, be wary of locations where the temperature is too hot as jobs on the farm can be limited due to the heat and so, not many fruit picking jobs will be available during that time.
2. Regions
Again, depending on which country you’re heading for fruit picking jobs, consider the regions you plan to work in. In some locations like Perth, harvest takes place throughout the year – almost every month.
On the other hand, some other locations may not be so lucky. Some regions may only have harvest during certain months of the year or some may only have harvest ready for the first or second half of the year.
To avoid wasting time (and precious resources like money), we suggest you find out which regions in the country you’re planning to go to have a harvest that coincides with your arrival so that you know for sure that you’ll have a job to do when you get there.
3. Types of Harvest
This depends on whether you have a preference for certain fruits or vegetables you’d like to work with. Some people may have an allergy to berries or certain produce which can be dangerous if precautions are not taken.
Some may be afraid of heights and may not want to work with harvests that require them to climb on a ladder or a tree. This can vary from person to person but if you have no issues or allergies with any plant, fruit, or vegetables, then you should be alright!
What Are The Work Hours and Working Conditions Like?
The work hours and conditions don’t differ much when it comes to fruit picking anywhere. It can, however, be quite demanding once harvest is ready because naturally, productivity is expected to increase with large volumes of harvest.
You may be required to work 6 or 7 days a week with roughly about 7 to 8 hours of working per day so make sure you’re in good shape and even better spirits when you head to the farms!
Tips For Making The Best Of Your Fruit Picking Job
1. Learn to use both hands – picking up fruits with both hands will make your work faster than doing it independently
2. Avoid damaging the fruit you picked. You don’t get paid for the fruits you damage.
3. Plan your pick up zones and trips ahead so that you don’t waste time going back and forth
4. When dealing with high trees, start from the top and move downwards slowly so that you won’t have to carry a heavy basket of fruits to the top.
5. Take your time and figure out a picking technique that works for you
6. Remember to stretch and move your body from time to time. A sore back is never helpful.
7. Don’t forget to put down your collection bucket in between trees to avoid spilling them or knocking them over.
8. Wear appropriate clothing (boots, long-sleeved shirt, rubber gloves, and long pants) for the weather and the working conditions you’ll be in – carry a sunscreen, water bottle, and sunglasses with you if the weather is hot.
9. If you have a friend or partner working with you, find a way to work together so that you can finish faster and more efficiently.
10. Always strive to do your best and maintain your performance to be on track with your fruit picking jobs.
Conclusion
Fruit picking is a great alternative to earning an extra income on your travels, whether you’re studying abroad or backpacking across the globe. It’s simple, interesting and gives you a chance to explore the local town and make new friends while learning about the local produce.
We hope this simple guide to the best countries for fruit picking will help you make the best choice for choosing the best fruit picking jobs in any country of your choosing out there!
All the best!
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