Labor by a Gentile During Shmita

It is forbidden for a person to rent their field to a gentile before the Shmita year for the purpose of having the gentile work it during Shmita (whether it is permitted to sell the field to a gentile will be explained later).

It is forbidden to tell a gentile to perform work on land or trees during the Shmita year. However, for rabbinic prohibitions where there are differing opinions, one may be lenient and allow a gentile to perform such work, though it is advisable to consult with a Torah scholar for any questions.

Labor that is necessary to save a tree from damage, loss, or death may be performed by a gentile. Similarly, when there is a need, one may be lenient and allow a gentile to perform actions that would otherwise be prohibited during Shmita (though not everything is immediately considered a need and permitted), therefore farmers should consult with Torah scholars to determine which actions are permitted through a gentile and which are forbidden even through a gentile.

Produce growing in a field owned by a gentile does not have Shmita sanctity, and it is even permitted to conduct business with such produce.