Ethical Travel - WWOOF
WWOOFing: An Adventure
Story Highlights
What is WWOOFing?
How WWOOF works
Why become a WWOOFer?
What are the farms like?
Safety tips for likely WWOOFers
What is WWOOFing?
WWOOF stands for World-Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms. Organic farms around the world welcome volunteer help and it's a good opportunity for you to learn about organic farm processes and to get a real taste of what life is like in the country you are visiting. When you become a member of a WWOOF organisation you are given a list of farms in that country and you can choose the one you would like to volunteer at. It is then up to you to make contact and negotiate terms.
WWOOFing is available in Australia, Austria, Korea, Mexico, New Zealand, Costa Rica, China, the USA, the UK and many more countries. For a full list please see the WWOOF website.
Each country has its own national WWOOF organisation and each one is run in a different way. A top tip for sorting out the best trip for you is to get in touch with the WWOOF organisation in the country that you are interested in. See the website for joining fees and the contact details for each country.
How WWOOF Works
Food and accommodation are given in exchange for help on a voluntary basis. The work you do will vary between sowing, harvesting, gardening, cutting wood, making mud-bricks, fencing, building, milking, feeding, packing and typing.
An arrangement is made between you and the host before you arrive, so make sure you tell them what you would like to do and what you are not prepared to do. Some hosts work long days, seven days a week and may expect you to do the same. The WWOOF website recommends you negotiate your hours and suggests that six hours a day, six days a week is fair. This gives you a full day off every week to explore.
Before becoming a WWOOF volunteer it is important to understand that there is no payment for your help.
A spokesman for the organisation said: “WWOOF is also an important practical part of the growing resource, sustainable organic mind-set movement - in stark contrast to the aggressive world of consumerist material values."
Why become a WWOOFer?
WWOOFing gives you:
• An opportunity to live and work in the host country, and learn more about it.
• First-hand experience of organic and other ecologically-sound growing methods.
• A chance to contribute to the organic movement which is demanding and does not rely on artificial fertilisers, herbicides or pesticides.
• Opportunities to meet, talk, learn and exchange opinions with others in the organic movement.
• Experience of life in the countryside.
It suggests on the website that: “budget travelling, cultural exchange or language instruction should not be your primary reason for WWOOFing.” It is only worthwhile for yourself and the host if you want to gain experience of organic farming.
What are the Farms Like?
WWOOF hosts lead a simple, sustainable lifestyle, with many practising Permaculture or Bio-dynamic growing methods. Whether full or part time, the farms are commercial producers, alternative co-operatives or communities, or they simply share the general ethics of respect for the environment and enjoy sharing tips.
Safety tips for Likely WWOOFers:
• Plan an escape: If things don't work out with your host, make sure you can leave easily. Look into transport options and make sure you have some money.
• If you have any problems, contact WWOOF: WWOOF organisations do not vet the farms, so if you have a complaint to make about a host then let WWOOF know as this could prevent the same thing happening to someone else.
• Get a VISA: This is your responsibility and you may be unable to enter the country if you do not have correct documentation. Students can get reciprocal - temporary work permits.
• Get travel and health insurance: Remember that you are volunteering at your own risk. Do not do anything dangerous and be sensible.
• Buy a travel guide: Not only will this be useful on your day(s) off, but it will be a good way for you to find out as much as possible about the country in terms of what is or isn't appropriate. It will also give you some basic language terms - which will be useful.
How you can help WWOOF:
• Tell your friends about WWOOF and encourage them to visit the website. You may even prefer to visit a host with a friend.
• If you know someone who runs an organic farm, or see one on your travels who you think could benefit from the scheme - let them know that they can join WWOOF as a host.
• WWOOF appreciate any feedback you can provide about your WWOOFing adventures!
- Jen Page
