#dignitàincampo
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.
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
Documentary
Experience the realities of working in agriculture through the eyes of seasonal workers, farm owners, government officials, trade unions, and civil society.
This documentary cuts a path from north to south, reflects on the main issues in the sector, and refocuses attention on those who are working to improve the situation.
Commitment from the Ministry
The fight against illegal hiring and the exploitation of agricultural workers is a priority for the Ministry of Labor and Social Policies. From 2020 to 2022, a new committee will oversee a national strategy aimed at preventing and combating illegal behavior in the sector.
The committee comprises six working groups:
- Prevention, supervision, and repression of illegal hiring
- Agri-food production chain and prices of agricultural products
- Intermediation between job supply and demand and enhancement of the role of job centers
- Transportation
- Temporary accommodation and guesthouses
- Network of decent agricultural work