BelOrta
Belgium, renowned for its history, landscapes, and cuisine, has a vital agricultural sector that significantly contributes to its economy. The diversity in dairy farming, crop production, and horticulture creates numerous job opportunities.
To meet the growing labor demand, many Belgian farms offer visa sponsorship to attract skilled and unskilled workers from abroad. This job post explores agricultural farm jobs in Belgium with visa sponsorship, highlights top employers, discusses salary ranges, and offers tips on securing these opportunities.
Job Description & Details – Agricultural Workers
Belgium’s agricultural sector is crucial for domestic food production and export. However, challenges like an aging workforce and labor shortages, especially in rural areas, have increased reliance on foreign workers, often through visa sponsorship programs.
Key Reasons for the Demand:
- Seasonal Labor Needs:
- Belgium’s agricultural sector has seasonal peaks, especially during planting and harvest times, creating a high demand for temporary labor.
- Aging Workforce:
- Many Belgian farmers are nearing retirement age, leading to a need for younger workers to continue agricultural production.
- Labor Shortages:
- The physically demanding nature of farm work and the rural settings make it difficult to attract local labor, creating opportunities for foreign workers.
- High Demand for Belgian Produce:
- The global demand for Belgian agricultural products, such as fruits, vegetables, and dairy, requires a reliable and skilled workforce to maintain production levels.
Understanding Visa Sponsorship for Agricultural Workers
To work legally in Belgium, foreign nationals need a work visa, usually sponsored by the employer. This process includes securing work permits and ensuring compliance with Belgian immigration laws.
Visa Sponsorship Typically Includes:
- Work Permit: The employer assists in obtaining a work permit, allowing the worker to legally reside and work in Belgium.
- Accommodation: Many employers provide housing or a housing allowance for their workers.
- Transportation: Some employers cover transportation costs to and from Belgium, as well as local transport.
- Health Insurance: Employers often provide health insurance that covers medical expenses during the employment period.
Top Hiring Employers for Agricultural Farm Jobs in Belgium
Several companies and farms in Belgium actively hire foreign workers for agricultural jobs, offering visa sponsorship and other benefits. Below are some of the top employers in this sector:
1. BelOrta
Location: Sint-Katelijne-Waver, Belgium
BelOrta, one of Belgium’s largest fruit and vegetable cooperatives, is renowned for high-quality produce. The cooperative hires seasonal workers for harvesting, sorting, and packing, often offering visa sponsorship for foreign labor.
Common Roles:
- Harvest Workers
- Packing Line Workers
- Sorting Staff
Typical Salaries:
- Harvest Worker: €1,800 – €2,100 per month
- Packing Line Worker: €1,700 – €2,000 per month
- Sorting Staff: €1,700 – €2,000 per month
Benefits:
- Visa sponsorship
- Seasonal accommodation provided
- Health insurance
- Transportation to and from work sites
2. Greenyard
Location: Sint-Katelijne-Waver, Belgium
Greenyard, a global leader in fresh, frozen, and prepared fruits and vegetables, operates several farms and processing plants in Belgium. The company employs many foreign workers, especially during peak seasons.
Common Roles:
- Farm Laborers
- Fruit Pickers
- Processing Plant Workers
Typical Salaries:
- Farm Laborer: €1,800 – €2,200 per month
- Fruit Picker: €10 – €12 per hour
- Processing Worker: €1,800 – €2,200 per month
Benefits:
- Visa sponsorship
- On-site accommodation or housing allowance
- Health insurance
- Meals provided during working hours
3. Boerenbond (Farmers Union)
Location: Various locations across Belgium
Boerenbond, a major agricultural organization in Belgium, represents farmers’ interests and helps facilitate the hiring of seasonal and full-time workers for farms, often offering visa sponsorship for foreign labor.
Common Roles:
- Farm Workers
- Horticulture Specialists
- Dairy Farm Workers
Typical Salaries:
- Farm Worker: €1,700 – €2,100 per month
- Horticulture Specialist: €1,900 – €2,300 per month
- Dairy Farm Worker: €1,800 – €2,200 per month
Benefits:
- Visa sponsorship
- Free or subsidized accommodation
- Health insurance
- Transportation to and from work sites
4. FruitMasters
Location: Limburg, Belgium
FruitMasters, a leading fruit-growing company in Belgium, specializes in apples, pears, and cherries. The company hires seasonal workers for picking, sorting, and packaging, often offering visa sponsorship.
Common Roles:
- Fruit Pickers
- Sorting Staff
- Packaging Workers
Typical Salaries:
- Fruit Picker: €1,800 – €2,000 per month
- Sorting Staff: €1,700 – €2,000 per month
- Packaging Worker: €1,700 – €2,000 per month
Benefits:
- Visa sponsorship
- Seasonal accommodation
- Health insurance
- Meals provided during working hours
5. Danis Farms
Location: Flanders, Belgium
Danis Farms, a leading pork producer in Belgium, is known for sustainable farming practices. The company operates several pig farms across Flanders and hires foreign workers for roles in animal care and farm maintenance.
Common Roles:
- Livestock Handlers
- Farm Laborers
- Maintenance Workers
Typical Salaries:
- Livestock Handler: €1,800 – €2,100 per month
- Farm Laborer: €1,700 – €2,000 per month
- Maintenance Worker: €1,800 – €2,200 per month
Benefits:
- Visa sponsorship
- Free or subsidized accommodation
- Health insurance
- Transportation to and from work sites
How to Apply for Agricultural Farm Jobs in Belgium with Visa Sponsorship
Securing an agricultural job in Belgium with visa sponsorship requires careful planning and research. Here’s how to get started:
Steps to Apply:
- Research Potential Employers:
- Identify companies and farms in Belgium that are known to hire foreign workers in the agricultural sector.
- Use online job portals like Indeed, LinkedIn, and AgriJob to find listings that mention visa sponsorship.
- Prepare Your Resume:
- Tailor your resume to highlight relevant agricultural experience, including any specialized skills in farming, animal care, or horticulture.
- Submit Applications:
- Apply directly through company websites or via job portals. Be sure to mention your willingness to relocate and your qualifications for the role.
- Interview Process:
- Be prepared for interviews conducted via phone or video conferencing. Discuss your experience, ability to adapt to Belgium’s agricultural environment, and your willingness to work in rural settings.
- Receive Job Offer and Contract:
- Carefully review the job offer, focusing on salary, working conditions, and visa sponsorship details.
- Visa Application Process:
- Once you accept a job offer, your employer will assist you in obtaining the necessary work visa. This process typically involves submitting documents such as your passport, medical reports, and proof of employment.
- Relocation to Belgium:
- After your visa is approved, your employer may help with travel arrangements. Upon arrival, you’ll typically undergo an orientation to familiarize yourself with your new job and living conditions.