Migrant workers play a crucial role in Puglia’s agricultural sector, producing at least one-third of the region’s food, according to the Italian farmers’ association Coldiretti Puglia. The association highlighted that 22,314 foreign workers are employed in Puglia’s agriculture, making up 10% of all non-EU agricultural workers in Italy.
Despite a decline in foreign labor over the past five years, migrant workers remain essential, particularly in tree crops (53.8%) such as fruit and viticulture, and horticulture (17.7%), including strawberries, melons, salads, and tomatoes. Nearly 88% of non-EU farmhands are seasonal workers, often returning to Italy annually for harvest seasons.
However, bureaucratic delays and restrictive quotas are making it difficult for farms to secure workers when they need them most. The “click day” visa system, which limits the number of permits issued, often results in workers arriving too late—after the harvest has already ended.
Currently, 35% of Italy’s agricultural workforce consists of migrants, but even this is not enough to meet demand. Coldiretti Puglia is calling for a more structured and controlled migration system, with greater involvement from employer associations and consulates to streamline visa processing and combat labor exploitation.
The association welcomed recent immigration law reforms, which aim to simplify the process and ensure timely arrivals of seasonal workers. However, further changes are needed to address labor shortages and support Italy’s agricultural industry.