The International WWOOF Association

World-Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms

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WWOOF
PO Box 2154
Winslow
Buckingham, MK18 3WS
England, U.K.
www.wwoof.org

How WWOOF works

WWOOF organisations compile a list of organic farms that from time to time welcome volunteer help When you join a WWOOF organisation, you will be sent a copy of this list. It is then up to you to contact the farms that interest you and make your own arrangements with them.

The Aims of WWOOF are :

To give you first hand experience of organic or other ecologically-sound growing methods
To give you experience of life in the countryside
To help the organic movement which is labour intensive and does not rely on artificial fertilisers, herbicides or pesticides.
To give people a chance to meet, talk, learn and exchange views with others in the organic movement
To provide you with an opportunity to learn about life in the host country by living, and working together

The Farms :

WWOOF hosts are mainly pursuing a simple, sustainable, lifestyle. Many are practising Permaculture or Bio-dynamic growing methods. Some farms are commercial producers, whether full or part time; others are alternative co-operatives or communities.

The WWOOF Independents list also includes locations which are not organic farms but yet which are in keeping with the general ethic of respect for the environment and the idea of an exchange of knowledge and expertise, food and accommodation in exchange for help on a voluntary basis.

Volunteering :

The help you give your host will be wide and variable, including ... sowing, making compost, gardening, planting, cutting wood, weeding, making mud-bricks, harvesting, fencing, building, typing, packing, milking, feeding.

The help you give is an arrangement made between you and your host. You should negotiate beforehand with your host so that you know what they expect from you and the sort of volunteering you are happy to do.

The volunteering involved should not be exploitative of either WWOOFer or host. Often hosts themselves work long hours 7 days a week, and may expect you to do likewise. We suggest a fair exchange is 6 hours of solid help per day, 6 days per week, with a full day off each week to relax and explore the area.

Remember that it takes a lot of energy and forethought for hosts to welcome strangers into their home. Your work is in part a repayment for their commitment to making your stay possible.

How WWOOF works

The Aims of WWOOF are :

The Farms :

Volunteering :

Do NOT arrive at a host's address without having arranged your visit with them beforehand.