Working in agriculture as a farmer abroad: what is it, why would you do it, and where is the best place to go?

What is working in agriculture as a farmer abroad like?

• For those who enjoy working outdoors, with animals, plants or food production, working in agriculture abroad can be a good way to experience a new environment, new way of farming and new possibilities.
• Working in agriculture can be done in many different ways. Some people work temporarily on someone else's farm, for example as a seasonal worker, farmhand or agricultural employee. Others choose to work on a farm for a longer period of time, become farmers and specialize in, for example, livestock farming, arable farming, fruit growing or organic farming.
• There are also people who eventually start their own farm or agricultural project abroad. This may involve small sustainable farms, ecological projects, agroforestry, permaculture or larger commercial farms.
• The agricultural sector varies greatly from country to country. In some countries the emphasis is on large-scale agriculture and modern technology, while other regions are known for small-scale, traditional or sustainable options.

Responsibilities

• Agricultural activities vary greatly depending on the type of farm, the season and the type of farming. Common activities are:
• Care and feeding of livestock such as cows, sheep, goats or chickens.
• Planting, maintaining and harvesting crops.
• Working with agricultural machinery and tools.
• Irrigation and maintenance of agricultural land.
• Repairing fences, stables or agricultural installations.
• Sorting, packaging and preparing products for sale.
• Maintaining agricultural lands and natural ecosystems.
• Working at local markets or farm shops.
• Supervising volunteers or interns.
• Participate in sustainable agricultural projects.
• Supporting agrotourism or educational activities.

Working conditions

• The salary can consist of an hourly wage, monthly salary or revenue sharing.
• Seasonal work is common, for example during harvest periods.
• Working hours often depend on the season and the weather.
• Working days can be physically demanding and often start early.
• Some farms provide accommodation and meals to employees.
• Temporary contracts or informal agreements are common.
• Salaries may be higher at specialized agricultural companies.
• Long-term work sometimes offers career opportunities to management or management.
• In family businesses, cooperation on the basis of partnership or tenancy may occur.
• When someone wants to start their own agricultural business abroad, issues such as land prices, permits, investments and local regulations also play a role.

What are the reasons for working in agriculture as a farmer abroad?

To practice flexibility: agriculture is highly dependent on seasons, weather conditions and markets. Working in a different environment requires adaptability.

To become environmentally aware: working with soil, water, climate and ecosystems increases insight into how nature and agriculture are connected.

To learn to work practically and results-oriented: agriculture revolves around concrete results such as harvests, animal health and food production.

To learn to work together: on many farms you work together with family businesses, employees, volunteers or other farmers.

To develop independence: especially when you work on a farm for a longer period of time or start your own agricultural project, you learn to perform many tasks independently and make decisions.

What skills and motivations do you need to work in agriculture as a farmer abroad?

• Flexibility: agriculture is strongly influenced by seasons, weather and changing conditions.
• Environmental awareness: understanding soil, climate and ecosystems is important for successful agriculture.
• Collaboration: on many farms you work together with colleagues, family members or local communities.
• Being results-oriented: harvesting, animal care and food production require practical and goal-oriented work.
• Entrepeneurial spirit: farm work often requires initiative and responsibility, especially when running your own farm.

What are the best countries and locations to work in agriculture as a farmer abroad?

• Countries where foreign farmers can buy agricultural land relatively easily: Canada, United States, Uruguay, Paraguay, Portugal, Romania.
• Countries with a strong organic and sustainable agriculture movement: Germany, Austria, Denmark, Costa Rica, Sweden, Netherlands.
• Countries with opportunities for tropical agriculture and agroforestry: Costa Rica, Indonesia, Ecuador, Peru, Thailand, Brazil.

What are the risks of working as a farmer abroad, and are you insured against those risks? 

What are the risks of working as a farmer and working in agriculture abroad, and what happens with some regularity:

• that physical complaints arise from heavy work, lifting or working outside for long periods of time.
• that accidents happen with agricultural machinery or tools, resulting in medical assistance and sometimes evacuation.
• that someone has to deal with extreme weather conditions such as heat, cold or storm.
• that exposure to animals, insects or plants can cause health risks.
• that income can be uncertain due to poor harvests, market fluctuations or seasonal work.
• that in some countries there is a less safe working environment due to infrastructure, health risks or political instability.
• that someone contracts a local disease, is temporarily unable to work or needs medical care.
• that there is a lot of stress: due to responsibility, cultural and linguistic problems, work permits.
• If you work in the agricultural sector, you may run more financial or legal risks as soon as you start carrying out work under your own responsibility. It is advisable, as far as possible, to also inquire to what extent your local employer is sufficiently insured against accidents, technical errors or incorrect assessments. Obviously this is not the case everywhere, or cannot be found out in advance. Take this into account as much as possible when deciding whether or not to carry out certain risky work.

Are you insured while working in agriculture as a farmer abroad?

• There may be several reasons why you need separate insurance when working abroad.
• Local employers generally offer limited or no supplementary insurance.
• During work, internships, or volunteering abroad where you receive compensation or a salary, your own health insurance coverage in your home country may lapse. See the pages on: insuring paid work, internships, or volunteering abroad.
• See also: insurance for working in agriculture as a farmer for paid work, for internships and for volunteer work abroad.