Toward transparent agricultural
work

An experimental project that protects seasonal workers

Each year, a forecasted wave of seasonal workers washes over Italy. These workers, searching for temporary jobs in agriculture, often accept what they find – even if it is illegal, infringes upon their rights, or does not offer basic protections. The Dignità in Campo project examines the realities in two Italian cities, Saluzzo, in the north, and Syracuse, in the south. It shines a light on the main problems in the sector today and lays out a better path forward, one that involves the cooperation of farm owners, government officials, trade unions, and civil society.

In Italy’s agricultural sector, 100,000 women, men, and children work in extremely vulnerable conditions

Territories

The Dignità in Campo (“dignity in the field”) project is taking action in two Italian cities – Saluzzo, in Piedmont, and Syracuse, in Sicily – to protect agricultural workers from exploitation.

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SALUZZO
The city lies at the foothills of Monte Viso, one of the highest mountains in the Alps, surrounded by fields of apples, peaches, and kiwis. Here, agriculture plays an important role in the local economy – and seasonal workers are essential to its functioning.

SYRACUSE
In the Cassibile section of the city, hundreds of people come from countries in sub-Saharan Africa to find hospitality and essential work.

Stories of life
in the fields

Every day, seasonal workers cycle to work in the fields outside the city, thinking of the past and dreaming of the future.

We cannot clear out the camps where migrants live unless we first build a suitable alternative.

Tatiana ESPOSITO, Ministry of Labor and Social Policies