Immigrant Labor Fuels Italy’s Food Industry, Report Finds

A recent report titled “Immigrant Labor Fuels Italy’s Food Industry” reveals that immigrants played a significant role in Italy’s food production, accounting for at least half of all food products made in the country in 2022.

Immigrant Labor Fuels Italy’s Food Industry

Despite official government data showing that 362,000 immigrants worked in the food sector, constituting only 31.7% of the total days worked, the report highlights the hidden contribution of immigrant labour. Labour exploitation practices distort official agriculture ministry data, masking the true extent of immigrant involvement in food production.

Challenges and Exploitation:

The report underscores the prevalence of illegal labour practices, with nearly half of all judicial measures and investigations between 2017 and 2021 relating to the agri-food sector. These practices underscore the challenges faced by immigrant workers in Italy.

Changing Dynamics and National Origins:

Romania, Morocco, India, Albania, and Senegal were identified as the main national origins of workers in the agri-food sector. However, sub-Saharan African workers are underrepresented in official figures, highlighting the need for more comprehensive data collection methods.

Calls for Change:

FAI-CISL Secretary General Luigi Sbarra emphasizes the need for a change in attitudes towards foreign labour, calling for a depoliticization of the immigration issue. He emphasizes the importance of governing and planning migration, recognizing that migrants are an integral part of Italy’s future.

Regional Focus:

The report examines nine regions in detail, showcasing the diverse contributions of immigrant labour. From fruit production in Piedmont to dairy production in Lombardy, immigrant workers are essential to various sectors of Italy’s food industry.

Italy’s agrifood sector, exceeding 600 billion euros in revenue and 64 billion euros in exports in 2023, relies heavily on immigrant labour. Addressing the challenges faced by immigrant workers and recognizing their vital role in the food industry is crucial for the future of Italy’s economy.