Given the number of people I know who are to various extents into self-sufficiency, alternative lifestyles, communal living, eco-activism and the like, I’m astounded to have not come across WWOOF, “wwoofers” and “wwoofing” before:
WikipediaWorld-Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms (also known as Willing Workers on Organic Farms) (WWOOF) is an organisation which facilitates the placement of volunteer workers on organic farms. There are WWOOF Groups in many countries around the world (see external links below). They all maintain similar standards and work together to promote the aims of WWOOF.
Farms wishing to become a WWOOF host provide their details to their national organisation. In countries where there is no WWOOF Group yet the farms can list in the Independents List (contact WWOOF UK OR WWOOF Australia for this). These are collated and published in a booklet or on a secure internet site. Interested volunteers pay a small annual membership fee to receive internet access or a copy of this booklet and a membership card. They can then contact the farms directly to arrange a visit. The duration of the visit can range from a few days to months or even years. WWOOF volunteers (‘WWOOFers’) do not receive any financial payment. The host provides food, accommodation and opportunities to learn, in exchange for assistance with farming or gardening activities.
It’s arguable that the concept’s been stolen straight out of the Kibbutz culture, but what the hell; it’s secular, promotes travel, and is likely to expose people to “where food comes from”.
Sounds sensible to me.
wikipedia resource, wwoof uk, wwoof australia, wwoof nz, wwoof canada, wwoof usa.
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