In France, the summer was hot and dry. While many crops have suffered from the climate, the vines are doing well with a promising 2022 vintage. But the winegrowers had to bring forward the harvest date: almost two weeks earlier than in other years, for example in Champagne. Result: it was necessary to recruit urgently and find labor both French and foreign.
In the vines of Vincent Martin, the buckets are overflowing with grapes. ” We have beautiful bunches, very black, very dark blue, loaded with juice so it’s nice to see he says, satisfied.
The winemaker kicked off the harvest in advance, two weeks earlier than last year, so we had to get organised. ” We have colleagues who counted on the students, but they will leave for their studies and suddenly, we will find ourselves in a labor shortage he says. Then he adds: On the farm, I need about 18 people for 10, 12 days. It’s true that grape harvesting is a physical job so it’s complicated to recruit. It hurts your back, it requires being in good shape and being determined. There is a need for manpower. »
If some winegrowers go through job sites, post ads on social networks, or even call on private service providers, Vincent Martin can count on a network of workers in France and abroad. ” We have several origins, you have locals and then we have people who come from Poland “says the winemaker.
These Polish workers can be found a little further away, squatting in the sun at the foot of the vines. You don’t need to speak French here: pruning shears and good physical condition will do the trick. ” We are not very experienced, we have to move the leaves and find the place where we have to cut explains Beata.
Around 1,500 euros for two weeks of harvest
She has done more than 1,600 km, she comes from Gdynia in northern Poland. Here, Béata receives the hourly minimum wage plus a productivity bonus, i.e. an estimated income of 1,500 euros for two weeks of harvesting.
” VSat home in Poland, I am a receptionist in a hotel “, she says. “ Here in two weeks, I will earn twice my salary. Our idea by coming to work in the vineyards was to earn a little money, to take advantage of it to be in France to visit Paris, and then to keep a little money to bring back home.. »
Then Béata adds: In Poland, I know a lot of people who would like to come and work in the vineyards. But you have to have the right connections. Me, I had a friend in the vineyards, I didn’t let go and I finally convinced him to bring me with him. (laughs) No, but more seriously, we are not afraid to work. »
To attract more workers, the department of Aube is also giving it a helping hand. Once again this year, the most modest can work in the vines while continuing to receive their allowances.