Hazelnut Picker Jobs in Italy – Apply Now

Hazelnut Picker Jobs in Italy: From the hills of Le Langhe in Piedmont – the land of Nutella, Ferrero, and the finest hazelnuts in the world – to the volcanic slopes of the Viterbo province in Lazio (Nocciola Romana DOP), Italy produces some of the most prized hazelnuts on the planet. The hazelnut harvest (raccolta delle nocciole) is a late-summer tradition that transforms the Italian countryside. For international workers seeking a unique, slower-paced agricultural experience, hazelnut picking offers something genuinely different.

Unlike the frantic pace of fruit picking, hazelnut harvesting is often done by gently shaking the trees (or using hand-held rakes) so the nuts fall onto tarps, or by hand-picking fallen nuts from the ground. It is physically demanding (bending, carrying), but the pace is steadier than berry picking. And for many workers, the harvest is a gateway to one of Italy’s most beautiful regions – the Langhe of Piedmont, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Hazelnut Picker Jobs in Italy

This guide covers everything: what hazelnut picking involves, pay rates (often per day, plus accommodation), which regions have the most opportunities, visa options for non-EU citizens (including Italy’s decreto flussi programme), working conditions, and exactly how to land a hazelnut picking job.

What Are Hazelnut Picker Jobs in Italy? (Definition & SEO Keywords)

A hazelnut picker (raccoglitore/trice di nocciole or nocciolino) is a seasonal agricultural worker who harvests hazelnuts from trees. Unlike soft fruits (strawberries, raspberries) where fruit is picked by hand, hazelnuts are typically harvested by shaking the tree (using a pole or a hand-held mechanical shaker) so the nuts fall onto tarps on the ground. Workers then gather, clean, and bag the nuts.

Other common titles in Italy:

• Raccoglitore/trice di Nocciole (Hazelnut Picker – most common)

• Nocciolino (Hazelnut Worker – colloquial)

• Raccoltore di Frutta a Guscio (Shell Fruit Harvester – includes hazelnuts, walnuts, almonds)

• Bracciante Agricolo (Agricultural Labourer)

• Pezzente (Traditional term for hazelnut picker in Piedmont – historical)

• Vareatore (Tree shaker – using a pole to beat branches)

What you are NOT: A tractor driver (requires certification), a hazelnut processing plant worker (post-harvest), or a quality grader.

Critical distinction: Hazelnut harvesting in Italy is highly seasonal and relatively short (typically 4-8 weeks from mid-August to mid-October, depending on the region and variety). It is not year-round work. However, it coincides with other harvests (grapes, chestnuts, olives), so skilled pickers can combine them.

Core Duties: What Hazelnut Pickers Actually Do

Hazelnut picking is a two-stage process: shaking the tree (or beating the branches with poles) so the nuts fall, and collecting the nuts from the tarps or from the ground.

The Hazelnut Harvest Process – Step by Step:

Traditional vs. Mechanical Harvesting:

The Golden Rule of Hazelnut Picking: Don’t shake too early.

Hazelnuts are ready when the green husk (mallo) has split open and turned brown, revealing the hard brown shell inside. If you shake too early, the husks haven’t opened, and the nuts won’t fall easily. If you shake too late, nuts may fall spontaneously (wasted) or become mouldy if left on the ground.

How to Know When Hazelnuts Are Ready:

Why Hazelnut Picker Jobs Are Available for Foreigners (Market Demand – Deep Search)

Italy’s hazelnut sector is expanding, driven by high global demand (Nutella, Ferrero, chocolate production). New orchards are being planted, and labour is needed.

Hard data (2024–2026):

The result: Hazelnut picking is a niche but stable seasonal sector. It attracts workers who enjoy the outdoors and slower-paced harvesting. The work is less frantic than berry picking but still physically demanding (bending, carrying).

Who hires hazelnut pickers in Italy:

Italian Hazelnut Regions & Harvest Seasons

Piedmont (Piemonte) – The Hazelnut Capital (Langhe)

Lazio – Nocciola Romana DOP

Campania – Smaller Production

Sicily – Early Harvest

Best for International Workers (Most Jobs & Accommodation):

Pay Rates for Hazelnut Pickers in Italy (2026)

Hazelnut pickers are typically paid daily (a giornata) rather than piecework (per kilo), because the harvest is more about trees per day than kilos.

Daily & Hourly Rates (by region):

Piecework (Per Tree or Per Kilo) – Less Common:

Minimum Wage Guarantee:

Under Italian agricultural CCNL, pickers are guaranteed a minimum daily wage (approx €45–€55 for an 8-hour day). Most hazelnut picking pays above minimum.

Additional Benefits (Legal Contracts):

Realistic Monthly Savings (with subsidised accommodation, Lazio or Piedmont):

Bottom line: Hazelnut picking pays modestly but offers excellent savings potential because the season is short and intense, and accommodation is sometimes subsidised. Over 6-8 weeks, you can save €1,200–€2,800+.

Work Visas & Permits for Hazelnut Pickers (Critical Section)

This is the #1 question for international workers. Here is the detailed answer.

For EU Citizens (Irish, Romanian, German, French, Spanish, etc.):

How to work as an EU citizen hazelnut picker:

1. Travel to Italy (target Piedmont – Langhe region, Alba area – in early September, or Lazio – Viterbo – in mid-August).

2. Find a farm (walk in or through agency).

3. Get your Codice Fiscale (at Agenzia delle Entrate – free, takes 1 hour).

4. Employer registers you for Social Security.

5. Start work. You are legal.

Note for Romanian citizens: Romanians are a significant part of the hazelnut harvest workforce. Full EU rights.

For Non-EU Citizens – Decreto Flussi (Seasonal Work Visa)

Italy has a formal decreto flussi (flow decree) programme for seasonal work visas for non-EU citizens. Hazelnut picking is included in the agricultural sector.

How the Decreto Flussi works for hazelnut picking:

1. The Italian government announces annual quotas for seasonal work visas (usually between November and February for the following year).

2. Italian employers (hazelnut farms, cooperatives, temp agencies) submit applications for workers.

3. Workers are selected based on agreements with their home countries.

4. Successful applicants receive a seasonal work visa (valid for up to 9 months).

5. Workers travel to Italy, work the hazelnut harvest (August–October).

6. At the end of the contract, they return to their home country (required).

Important: You cannot simply “apply” for this visa as an individual. The employer must sponsor you. The best way is to have worked in previous seasons (veterans are rehired) or to be hired through an agency that participates in the programme.

Key countries with bilateral agreements for agricultural workers:

• Morocco (largest)

• Albania (second largest)

• Tunisia

• India (growing numbers)

• Serbia, Bosnia, Kosovo, Moldova

• Senegal, Ghana, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines (smaller quotas)

Reality check: The decreto flussi is the only legal pathway for many non-EU workers. It is competitive. Most workers are rehired from previous seasons. Hazelnut programmes are smaller than other crops.

For Moroccan Citizens:

For Albanian Citizens:

For Indian Citizens:

For Latin American Citizens:

Italy does not have special agreements for Latin American workers. Primary pathway:

For Working Holiday Visa Holders (Australia, Canada, NZ):

For UK Citizens (Post-Brexit):

Very difficult. The UK does not have a WHV with Italy.

Legal pathway:

• Student Visa + part-time work – study Italian (20 hours/week), work 20-30 hours/week. Expensive.

For US Citizens (No WHV):

No practical pathway. Student Visa is expensive and part-time only.

Do You Need to Speak Italian to Pick Hazelnuts?

Short answer: Yes – Italian is essential for most farms. English is not spoken.

Italian You MUST Learn (Minimum 30 Words):

Recommendation: Learn basic Italian before the season. Use Duolingo. Learn agricultural vocabulary specifically.

Where Are the Best Locations for Hazelnut Picker Jobs?

Best Regions for Hazelnut Picker Jobs:

Best for International Workers (Most Organised Hiring):

• Lazio (Viterbo, Caprarola) – larger farms, more likely to have organised recruitment and sometimes accommodation

• Piedmont (Langhe – Alba, Cuneo, Santo Stefano Belbo) – smaller, but higher pay and famous region

How to Find Hazelnut Picker Jobs in Italy (Actionable Steps)

Step 1: Determine Your Visa Status

EU citizens: Travel freely. Go to Piedmont (Langhe) in early September, or Lazio (Viterbo) in mid-August.

Moroccan/Albanian/Indian citizens: The decreto flussi is your pathway.

WHV holders (Australia, Canada, NZ): You can work legally.

UK / US citizens: No legal pathway (Student Visa only).

Step 2: Target Hazelnut Regions

Best regions for hazelnut jobs:

• Piedmont (Langhe) – Alba, Cuneo, Santo Stefano Belbo, Cortemilia, Monesiglio, Murazzano, Sinio, Roddino

• Lazio – Viterbo, Caprarola, Ronciglione, Capranica, Bassano Romano, Canepina

Step 3: Contact Cooperatives and Farms Directly (For EU & WHV)

How to apply:

1. Search “azienda agricola nocciole [Langhe/Alba/Viterbo]”

2. Search “cooperativa nocciole Piemonte” or “cooperativa nocciole Lazio”

3. Call or email. Use Italian.

4. Email template (Italian):

Oggetto: Domanda per lavoro stagionale – Raccolta nocciole 2026

Egregi Signori,

*Mi rivolgo a voi per richiedere un lavoro come raccoglitore/trice di nocciole per la stagione 2026. Sono disponibile per il periodo della raccolta (agosto–ottobre).*

Sono cittadino/a UE / ho permesso di soggiorno (WHV).

Allego il mio CV.

Grazie mille per la vostra considerazione.

Step 4: Walk Into Farms (For EU & WHV – Old School)

What to do (Piedmont – Langhe region, Alba area):

1. Travel to Alba (Piedmont) in early September.

2. Stay in a cheap hostel or agriturismo (€25–€50/night) for the first week.

3. Print 20 copies of your CV (in Italian).

4. Walk into hazelnut farms. Look for “Noccioleto” (hazelnut orchard) signs.

5. Ask for the foreman (capo) or owner.

6. Say (in Italian): “Buongiorno, cerco lavoro per la raccolta delle nocciole. Posso lasciare il mio CV?”

7. Leave your CV. Repeat at 10–20 farms.

What to do (Lazio – Viterbo area):

1. Travel to Viterbo (Lazio) in mid-August.

2. Follow same process as above.

Success rate: In late August/early September (pre-season), walking into farms works. By mid-September, positions fill quickly.

Step 5: Use Temp Agencies (ETTs) – For EU & WHV

How to register:

1. Register online (use Google Translate).

2. Search “raccolta nocciole,” “nocciole,” or “lavoro stagionale agricoltura.”

3. Apply online.

4. Call the local branch in Alba or Viterbo after 24 hours.

Step 6: Join Facebook Groups

Search these exact names (in Italian):

• “Lavoro raccolta nocciole Italia”

• “Nocciole Piemonte – lavoro stagionale”

• “Raccolta nocciole Lazio – cercasi lavoratori”

• “Braccianti agricoli Cuneo”

• “Lavoro agricolo Viterbo”

Post template (Italian):

*“Cerco lavoro come raccoglitore di nocciole in [Piemonte/Lazio] per la stagione 2026. Permesso di lavoro (UE / WHV). Disponibile agosto–ottobre. Grazie.”*

Step 7: Use Word of Mouth

Hazelnut picking is a small community. Once you have one job, ask the foreman: “Conosci un altro nocciolicoltore che cerca raccoglitori?”

Sample Job Ads (Realistic)

Example 1: Hazelnut Picker – Piedmont (Langhe)

Title: Raccoglitore/trice di Nocciole – Langhe, Piemonte (zona Alba, Santo Stefano Belbo, Cortemilia)

Employer: Small family farm

Contract: Seasonal (September–October), full-time (8 hours/day, 6 days/week)

Pay: €70/day + minimum wage guarantee

Requirements:

• EU passport or valid work permit (WHV)

• Codice Fiscale

• Physical fitness (bending, carrying sacks up to 25kg)

• Italian (basic)

Duties: Batticchiatura (shaking trees with pole), raccolta da terra, pulizia, insaccamento. (“Shaking trees with pole, ground collection, cleaning, sacking.”)

Benefits: Social Security, farm transport.

To apply: Walk into farms in the Alba area in early September.

Example 2: Hazelnut Picker – Lazio (Viterbo)

Title: Raccoltore di Nocciole – Viterbo, Lazio (zona Caprarola, Ronciglione)

Employer: Medium-sized farm

Contract: Seasonal (August–September), full-time

Pay: €65/day + subsidised accommodation (€5/day)

Requirements:

• Valid work permit

• Physical fitness

• Italian (basic)

To apply: Walk into farms in Viterbo province in mid-August.

Living as a Hazelnut Picker: What to Expect

Typical Harvest Day Schedule (September, Piedmont):

Pros and Cons of Hazelnut Picking:

Common Injuries & How to Avoid Them:

Common Interview Questions & Answers

Q: “Ha mai raccolto nocciole?” (“Have you picked hazelnuts before?”)

• Answer: “No, ma ho lavorato nel campo prima. Sono forte e imparo in fretta. Posso usare la pertica e raccogliere da terra.” (“No, but I have worked in fields before. I am strong and learn quickly. I can use the pole and collect from the ground.”)

Q: “Può sollevare sacchi di 25kg?” (“Can you lift 25kg sacks?”)

• Answer: “Sì. Sono fisicamente preparato. So sollevare con la schiena dritta, usando le gambe.” (“Yes. I am physically prepared. I know how to lift with a straight back, using my legs.”)

Q: “Qual è il suo status di visto?” (“What is your visa status?”)

• Answer (EU): “Sono cittadino dell’Unione Europea. Ho il mio Codice Fiscale.” (“I am an EU citizen. I have my Codice Fiscale.”)

• Answer (WHV): “Ho un visto Working Holiday. Posso lavorare legalmente.” (“I have a Working Holiday Visa. I can work legally.”)

Q: “Può lavorare da agosto a ottobre?” (“Can you work from August to October?”)

• Answer: “Sì. Sono disponibile per tutta la stagione della nocciola.” (“Yes. I am available for the entire hazelnut season.”)

Legal Traps for Hazelnut Pickers (Critical)

Red Flags (Walk away immediately):

Your Legal Rights as a Hazelnut Picker in Italy:

How to Protect Yourself:

1. Never work without a written contract.

2. Never work without being registered in Social Security.

3. Keep copies of your payslips and contract.

4. Get your Codice Fiscale before you start.

Pros and Cons (Honest Summary for International Workers)

✅ Pros:

• Beautiful landscapes (Langhe – UNESCO World Heritage site)

• No per-kilo pressure (daily rate)

• Legal contracts possible (EU, WHV, Decreto Flussi)

• Subsidised accommodation (some farms in Lazio)

• Good savings potential (short, intense season)

• Combine with other harvests (grapes, chestnuts, olives)

• No night shifts

• WHV possible for Australians, Canadians, NZ citizens

❌ Cons:

• Short season (4-8 weeks only)

• Physically demanding (pole swinging, heavy sacks)

• Italian required

• Basic living conditions

• Visa challenges (non-EU)

• Limited accommodation (especially in Piedmont)

• Isolation (rural areas)

How to Start Today (Checklist)

If you are an EU citizen:

• Get your passport and Codice Fiscale.

• Book a flight to Milan (MXP or LIN) or Turin (TRN) in early September.

• Take a train to Alba (Piedmont) – 1-2 hours from Turin/Milan.

• Book 1 week in a cheap hostel or agriturismo.

• Walk into farms with your CV (in Italian).

• Accept a job.

• Work September–October. Save €800–€1,400+/month.

If you have a Working Holiday Visa (Australia, Canada, NZ):

• Apply for WHV from home country (2–4 months processing).

• Once approved, book flight to Milan or Turin in early September.

• Get Codice Fiscale after arrival.

• Follow same steps as EU citizens above.

If you are a Moroccan, Albanian, or Indian citizen:

• Research the Decreto Flussi (seasonal work visa) through the Italian Embassy in your country.

• Register with authorised recruitment agencies.

• If selected, receive your seasonal work visa.

• Travel to Italy legally.

If you are a UK or US citizen:

• Student Visa is your only practical option (study Italian).

• Budget €1,000–€2,000 for course + visa fees.

• Work 20-30 hours/week legally (part-time).

Final Verdict: Is Hazelnut Picking in Italy Worth It?

Yes – for EU citizens, WHV holders, and those with Decreto Flussi access who want a short, intense season in one of Italy’s most beautiful regions.

If you are:

• An EU citizen (Romanian, Irish, German) wanting a unique harvest experience in the Langhe

• An Australian, Canadian, or New Zealand WHV holder looking for something different

• A Moroccan, Albanian, or Indian citizen with access to the Decreto Flussi programme

• Someone who enjoys outdoor physical work (not afraid of bending and carrying)

• Someone who speaks basic Italian (or willing to learn)

• Looking for a short season to save money (4-8 weeks)

…then hazelnut picking is a rewarding seasonal option.

If you are:

• A UK or US citizen without a WHV (no legal pathway)

• Someone who cannot handle bending, swinging poles, or lifting sacks

• Someone who does not speak Italian

• Looking for year-round work (hazelnuts are short-season)

…then hazelnut picking is not for you.

One final truth: Hazelnut picking is one of Italy’s traditional harvests. You will swing a pole, gather nuts from tarps, and work in landscapes that have produced the finest hazelnuts in the world for centuries. It is not easy – the bending, the heavy sacks, the dust – but it is honest work. And at the end of the season, you will have a few thousand euros saved and a deep respect for the humble nocciola. Buona raccolta! (Good harvest!)

Disclaimer

This job information is shared for educational and informational purposes only. Any discussion of visa categories is based on general immigration laws and publicly available information.

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