AdminAgricultural Jobs in the UK with visa Sponsorship in 2025 are rapidly gaining popularity among immigrants seeking stable employment and competitive salaries.
With the country’s agricultural sector contributing over £11 billion annually to the economy, there is a consistent demand for workers in farming, horticulture, livestock management, and crop production.
The introduction of the Seasonal Worker Visa and other sponsorship programs has made it easier for foreign workers to legally secure agricultural roles while earning wages ranging between £10.42 and £15.00 per hour, depending on experience and location.
For many international workers, agricultural employment offers not just financial rewards but also long-term residency opportunities.
Some agricultural companies in the UK are now sponsoring workers for permanent roles, especially those with skills in advanced crop technologies, livestock care, and greenhouse operations.
Here on this guide, I show you the entry-level requirements, top-paying regions, salary expectations, and the best ways to apply for agricultural jobs in the UK with visa sponsorship in 2025.
Entry-level Skills and Experience Required
Agricultural jobs in the UK are designed to accommodate a wide range of applicants, from those with minimal experience to highly skilled professionals.
Entry-level positions typically require basic physical fitness, a willingness to work in outdoor environments, and a commitment to seasonal schedules.
However, securing a role with visa sponsorship often requires additional training or at least some exposure to agricultural practices.
Employers commonly look for workers familiar with tasks such as crop harvesting, fruit picking, greenhouse planting, livestock feeding, and general farm maintenance.
Experience in organic farming techniques, irrigation systems, and basic machinery handling is considered a plus and can lead to wages as high as £12–£14 per hour for seasonal roles.
In terms of formal qualifications, most entry-level agricultural roles do not require a university degree. Instead, short courses in agriculture, horticulture, or animal husbandry can significantly increase employability.
Training in pesticide application, soil management, or agricultural technology systems is also highly valued, especially by large employers using modern farming equipment.
English language proficiency is another key factor. While some farms hire workers with limited English skills, applicants with basic communication abilities tend to secure better-paying roles.
Workers with tractor driving certifications or food safety training are often prioritized for long-term contracts, sometimes leading to annual salaries exceeding £24,000.
Regions with the Highest Payment Structures
Agricultural wages in the UK vary widely depending on the region, the type of crops grown, and the scale of the farming enterprise.
Generally, Scotland, East Anglia, and the South East of England are recognized for offering some of the highest salaries to agricultural workers.
In Scotland, farms specializing in livestock production and barley cultivation frequently pay between £12 and £15 per hour, especially during peak harvest seasons.
Workers involved in dairy farming often earn annual salaries of £25,000–£30,000, particularly in regions like Aberdeenshire where large-scale dairy operations dominate.
East Anglia, known as the “breadbasket of England,” offers some of the most lucrative opportunities for crop harvesters and greenhouse workers.
Because this region supplies much of the UK’s wheat, barley, and vegetable produce, seasonal workers here can earn between £11.50 and £14 per hour, with overtime pushing wages even higher during busy months.
Meanwhile, Kent, often referred to as the “Garden of England,” provides competitive pay for fruit pickers, especially in apple orchards, berry farms, and vineyards.
Experienced workers in vineyard operations can earn £28,000–£32,000 annually if employed full-time with accommodation provided.
Additionally, Yorkshire and Lincolnshire are emerging as hubs for modern agricultural enterprises, offering higher wages for workers familiar with agri-tech solutions, including drone crop monitoring and automated irrigation systems.
These roles sometimes pay over £16 per hour, reflecting the growing demand for skilled agricultural laborers.
Salary Expectations for Agricultural Workers
Salary expectations for agricultural workers in the UK vary based on experience, role type, region, and employer size.
Entry-level positions such as fruit and vegetable pickers typically start at around £10.42 per hour, aligning with the UK’s national minimum wage in 2025.
However, specialized roles like livestock supervisors, greenhouse managers, and machinery operators can earn significantly higher wages.
Seasonal workers in regions like East Anglia and Kent often receive bonuses during peak harvest periods, sometimes increasing total monthly earnings to £2,000–£2,500.
Those in permanent roles with full-time contracts, such as poultry farm supervisors or dairy production specialists, can expect annual salaries ranging from £24,000 to £32,000, with additional benefits such as on-site housing and overtime allowances.
Agricultural technology roles, particularly in farms adopting precision farming techniques, offer some of the highest salaries in the sector.
Workers managing automated irrigation systems, greenhouse climate controls, or livestock health monitoring devices can earn upwards of £35,000 annually if employed full-time.
Over the last five years, the UK government has reported a steady wage increase in the agricultural sector, driven by labor shortages, increased food demand, and Brexit-related immigration changes.
This upward trend means that immigrants entering the industry in 2025 can expect competitive salaries and opportunities for contract renewals or sponsorship for long-term work visas.
Companies Hiring Agricultural Workers in the UK
Securing agricultural jobs in the UK with visa sponsorship depends largely on finding reputable companies actively recruiting international workers.
In 2025, several organizations across the UK have established partnerships with the government to hire seasonal and permanent agricultural employees under sponsorship schemes. Leading employers include:
- Hall Hunter Partnership: One of the UK’s largest berry producers, offering roles in fruit picking, greenhouse operations, and packing. Seasonal workers here typically earn between £10.50 and £12.50 per hour, with overtime opportunities increasing total monthly earnings to £2,200–£2,500.
- G’s Fresh: Known for large-scale vegetable production in East Anglia, this company offers accommodation and seasonal bonuses for workers, with annual salaries for supervisory roles reaching £28,000–£32,000.
- A.H. Worth: A family-run business specializing in potato and vegetable production. Workers with machinery experience can earn up to £14.50 per hour plus housing benefits.
- F W Mansfield & Son Ltd: Based in Kent, this company focuses on orchard and vineyard work, offering competitive wages ranging from £11–£13 per hour for experienced harvesters.
- Concordia UK: An organization connecting international workers with farms across the country. Many roles facilitated by Concordia pay £10.42–£11.50 per hour, with clear visa sponsorship pathways.
In addition to private companies, some government-backed seasonal worker schemes ensure that foreign workers can legally secure employment while earning wages above the UK agricultural wage threshold.
Employers often prioritize candidates willing to work extended hours during peak harvest seasons, making it possible for motivated workers to earn £500–£600 per week.
Visa Types and Options for Agricultural Workers
Foreign nationals seeking agricultural jobs in the UK with visa sponsorship in 2025 have several immigration pathways available.
The most common option is the Seasonal Worker Visa, which allows workers to stay in the UK for up to six months while employed in horticulture or poultry farming. Key visa options include:
- Seasonal Worker Visa (Horticulture): Designed for fruit, vegetable, and flower harvesting roles. Workers under this visa typically earn £10.42–£12.50 per hour, with overtime pay available during peak harvest periods.
- Poultry Seasonal Worker Visa: For workers in poultry farming, processing, and packaging. Wages range between £11–£13 per hour, with housing sometimes included.
- Skilled Worker Visa (Agricultural Roles): For those in long-term roles requiring specialized skills, such as livestock management or agricultural technology operations. Annual salaries for Skilled Worker Visa roles often exceed £26,200, meeting the UK’s immigration salary threshold.
- Temporary Worker Visa (Charity Work): Some agricultural charities sponsor workers for training or seasonal employment at lower visa fees, though wages remain competitive at £10.50–£11.50 per hour.
Visa processing times typically range from 3–6 weeks, depending on the role and employer.
Applicants must provide proof of sponsorship, job offers, and sometimes accommodation arrangements before approval.
Employers hiring under the Seasonal Worker Visa often work with licensed visa agents to simplify the application process for international recruits.
Where to Find Agricultural Jobs Opportunities
Finding legitimate agricultural job opportunities in the UK requires using reliable platforms that list visa-sponsored roles.
In 2025, most farms and recruitment agencies advertise directly on government-backed portals or well-established job boards to attract foreign workers.
Recommended platforms include:
- GOV.UK Seasonal Worker Scheme Portal: Lists licensed employers recruiting international workers for horticulture and poultry roles.
- Indeed UK: Offers thousands of agricultural job listings, with many employers indicating whether visa sponsorship is available.
- AgriRecruit: A specialized platform for agricultural and farming jobs, including supervisory and technical roles paying £25,000–£30,000 annually.
- Concordia UK: A recruitment agency connecting workers with farms across the country. Many of their roles come with accommodation and visa sponsorship assistance.
- Horticulture Jobs UK: A site dedicated to fruit picking, greenhouse, and crop harvesting jobs with hourly pay between £10.50–£12.50 for seasonal roles.
Social media platforms like Facebook Jobs and professional networks such as LinkedIn also feature agricultural job postings, particularly for skilled roles like livestock supervisors or greenhouse managers.
Applicants using these platforms can directly message employers, verify sponsorship eligibility, and compare salary offers before applying.
How to Apply for Agricultural Jobs as an Immigrant in the UK
Applying for agricultural jobs in the UK with visa sponsorship involves several key steps to ensure compliance with immigration and employment laws.
Applicants must follow a structured approach to improve their chances of securing high-paying roles.
Step 1: Research Sponsoring Employers
Identify farms and agricultural companies licensed to sponsor foreign workers. Many of these employers advertise on GOV.UK and recruitment platforms like Concordia.
Step 2: Prepare Required Documents
Applicants typically need:
- A valid international passport
- Proof of job offer from a licensed sponsor
- English proficiency evidence (if required)
- Financial proof showing ability to support initial accommodation costs
Step 3: Submit Visa Application
Once a job offer is secured, workers apply for the appropriate visa type, often the Seasonal Worker Visa, through the official UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) portal.
Application fees typically range from £259–£625, depending on the visa category.
Step 4: Attend Interviews or Orientation
Some employers conduct virtual interviews to confirm work readiness. Others require online training on farm safety standards and harvest procedures before issuing final contracts.
Step 5: Travel and Employment
Upon visa approval, workers travel to the UK to begin employment. Contracts often include details on hourly wages, overtime pay, and accommodation arrangements.
Many seasonal workers report average monthly earnings of £2,000–£2,500, especially during busy harvest seasons.
Admin