Integration of migrants in fields and vineyards

Overall aim

For increased integration and boost rural development, the province of Asti encourages newly arrived migrants to work together with local farmers.

Brief description

The project initiated in 2017 to promote labour, housing, and social inclusion of refugees. The Asti experience has the support of Cia Piemonte and will act as a laboratory for the other provinces as they believe in the value of social agriculture and are convinced that migrants are a resource of which farms can no longer do without. This is also true for other sectors, where manual labour has been traded for services by the local workforce. Migrants, through integrated reception paths with the territory, are an important tool of local development.

Replicability

COVID-19 is challenging the workforce within agriculture, with farmers finding it difficult to hire workers. Examples such as this can help to improve integration and aid local farmers by employing migrants in the agricultural sector where labour force is scarce. Workers’ rights should be assured through insurance and support like in the Asti region.

Cross-cutting themes