The agricultural sector is significantly impacted by the egg production industry, which serves as a critical source of nutrition on a global scale. Nevertheless, in recent years, numerous countries have encountered labor shortages in the egg harvesting and packaging industries as a result of demographic shifts, restrictive immigration policies, low wages, and challenging working conditions.
The availability of sufficient labor for egg harvesting and packaging is a persistent challenge for poultry farms. This shortage offers a substantial opportunity for workers from Asia, Africa, and other countries who are interested in relocating to first-tier countries in search of more promising professions and improved job prospects.
This guide offers comprehensive information on the availability of egg harvesting and packaging jobs in numerous critical countries, as well as details on work visas, eligibility criteria, average salaries, and the locations where these poultry industry positions can be found.
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Scope of Countries Offering Egg Picking Jobs With Work VISA
The egg production industry is extensive, with substantial operations in countries such as the United States, China, India, Japan, and Mexico. This sector is currently witnessing labor shortages in these countries, which presents opportunities for foreign workers.
Job availability, visa options, eligibility requirements, and salary expectations for each country are detailed in the subsequent sections:
1# United States Egg Picking and Packaging jobs
Particularly in states with substantial poultry farms, such as Iowa, Indiana, and Pennsylvania, there is a substantial demand for laborers engaged in egg gathering and packaging in the United States.
Work Visa H-2A Temporary Agricultural Workers Program: The H-2A Temporary Agricultural Workers Program is a work visa that enables employers to import foreign nationals who specialize in egg-picking work to the United States for seasonal agricultural or poultry work.
Eligibility:
- The individual must be at least 18 years of age.
- Basic proficiency in the English language.
- Physically capable of engaging in manual labor.
- Absence of any criminal history.
Average Salary: Hourly compensation typically falls within the range of $12 to $16 USD.
Top 5 poultry farms of USA where egg picking jobs are available:
- Cal-Maine Foods https://www.calmainefoods.com/careers
- Rembrandt Enterprises https://m.careersinfood.com/rembrandt-enterprises-inc-company-4048.htm
- Michael Foods https://michaelfoods.com/careers/
- Rose Acre Farms https://www.goodegg.com/careers
2# Canada Hiring Egg Picking Workers
The agricultural sector of Canada is currently facing substantial labor shortages, particularly in the areas of egg harvesting and packaging.
Work Visa:
- Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP): For poultry employment and other seasonal agricultural positions.
- Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) Agricultural Stream: For agricultural positions that are available year-round.
Eligibility:
- The individual must be at least 18 years of age.
- Basic proficiency in either English or French.
- Capable of engaging in the physical labor of egg gathering and packaging.
- There is no criminal history.
Average Salary: The hourly wage ranges from CAD 15 to 20 (USD 11 to 15).
Where to Find Jobs:
- Job Bank (Canada’s official job site) https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/marketreport/jobs/9276/ca;jsessionid=538BCABB54EA1371FF1C96CDE0B14A81.jobsearch77
- Egg Farmers of Canada https://www.eggfarmers.ca/
- Direct contact with egg farms in Canada.
3# Australian Egg Farming jobs
Seasonal agricultural laborers, including those employed on egg farms, are in high demand.
Work Visa:
- Seasonal Worker Programme (SWP): For employees of Pacific Island nations and Timor-Leste.
- Working Holiday Visa (subclass 417 and 462): A visa that allows youthful individuals to work and travel in Australia.
Eligibility:
- The minimum age requirement is 18 years.
- Proficiency in the English language is required.
- Physically capable of engaging in manual labor.
- Absent from any criminal history.
Average Salary: The hourly wage ranges from AUD 22 to 28 (USD 15 to 19).
Where to Find Jobs:
- Egg farmers of Australia https://eggfarmersaustralia.org/
- Farm Transparency Project https://www.farmtransparency.org/facilities/food/eggs?status=open
- Recruitment agencies like Agri Labour Australia https://www.agrilabour.com.au/
4# New Zealand Egg Picker Jobs
Agricultural workers are required in New Zealand for seasonal employment, such as egg picking, in a manner similar to that of Australia.
Work Visa:
- Recognized Seasonal Employer (RSE) Limited Visa: For employees from Pacific Island nations.
- Working Holiday Visa: A visa that allows youthful individuals to work and travel in New Zealand.
Eligibility:
- The individual must be at least 18 years of age.
- Basic proficiency in the English language.
- Physically capable of engaging in manual labor.
- There is no criminal history.
Average Salary: The hourly wage ranges from NZD 20 to 25 (USD 13 to 16).
Where to Find Jobs:
- Seek (New Zealand’s job site) https://www.seek.co.nz/egg-jobs
- Otaika Valley Free Range Eggs https://otaikavalleyeggs.co.nz/
- Recruitment agencies like Hortus https://www.hortus.co.nz/careers/
5# United Kingdom Egg Picking Work Opportunities
The egg production sector in the United Kingdom is experiencing a labor shortage in the agricultural sector.
Seasonal Worker Visa: Enables employers to employ temporary laborers from non-EU countries for seasonal positions.
Eligibility:
- The individual must be at least 18 years of age.
- Basic proficiency in the English language.
- Physically capable of engaging in manual labor.
- There is no criminal history.
Average Salary: The hourly wage ranges from GBP 9 to 12 (USD 11 to 15).
Where to Find Jobs:
- Find a Job (UK’s official job site) https://findajob.dwp.gov.uk/search?q=poultry%20farm
- Reed Egg Jobs UK https://www.reed.co.uk/jobs/egg-jobs
- Recruitment platforms like Indeed UK https://uk.indeed.com/q-farm-eggs-jobs.html
Benefits of Egg Picking Jobs
- Positions Available: Egg collector jobs are frequently in demand because the poultry industry requires a consistent labor force to collect eggs daily.
- Entry-Level Possibilities: Typically, these positions are regarded as entry-level, making them open to individuals with little or no prior work experience.
- Work in Rural Areas: Numerous egg-collecting positions are located in rural or agricultural areas, which offer a tranquil and natural work environment.
- Physical Exercise: Those who prefer a physically active occupation over a sedentary one may find the work to be alluring.
- Practical Experience: Egg collectors acquire practical experience in animal husbandry, egg collection, and egg farm management.
- Responsibility: Employees are responsible for the regular collection of eggs, which contributes to the poultry farm’s productivity.
- Continuous Work: Typically, egg collection occurs daily on poultry farms, providing employees with consistent work and regular hours.
- Easy Work Duties: The primary duty of egg collection is simple and does not require advanced education or training.
- Lack of dependence: Depending on the farm and position, egg pickers may have varying degrees of autonomy over their daily duties.
- Educational Opportunities: Egg pickers have the opportunity to learn about animal behavior, egg production, and poultry husbandry.
- Temporary Employment: There may be seasonal opportunities for egg gatherers, providing flexibility for those who prefer temporary employment.
- Potential for Promotion: In larger poultry operations, there may be opportunities for promotion to more responsible positions.
- Animal Communication: Working with hens and collecting eggs allows for animal interaction, which animal lovers may find pleasurable.
- Persona Development: Adapting to a farm work environment can lead to personal development, adaptability, and a strong work ethic.
- Group work: Egg collectors frequently interact with other farm workers, fostering teamwork and interpersonal skills.
The egg picking and packaging sector presents substantial opportunities for foreign laborers as a result of labor shortages in numerous countries. You can successfully navigate the job search process in this sector by making informed decisions and understanding the job availability, work visa requirements, eligibility criteria, and average salaries in these countries.
In 2024, you will have the ability to initiate your career in the egg production industry by utilizing online job forums, recruitment agencies, and direct farm contacts to identify suitable employment opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions:
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Which countries provide employment visas for egg picking?
Countries like the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and certain European countries like Germany and the Netherlands frequently issue agricultural work visas for tasks like egg picking.
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What are the working hours for egg-harvesting jobs?
The hours of work can fluctuate, but they typically fall within the range of 35 to 40 hours per week. During prime periods, it may be necessary to work some overtime.
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What is the procedure for obtaining a work visa for egg-harvesting jobs?
The process typically entails obtaining a job offer from an employer, who will frequently provide assistance with the visa application. Proof of employment, a valid passport, and occasionally a medical examination may be necessary.
