This is a fabulous program that becomes a natural apprentiship in
organic agriculture and allows you to access as many teachers as you
wish and in the process share knowledge between vendors. The
economics are natural as well and could be integrated easily into
resolving homelessness.
The only cash outlay comes from simply getting there and that in a
generally small area is fairly simple to work out. For someone with
a few months on his hands and perhaps a bit of cash he does not wish
to waste, it is ideal.
Every young adult needs to do this anyway simply to pick up a slug of
useful skills. One never forgets how to optimize the use of fruit
and vegetables.
The major problem facing high productivity organic agriculture is
willing labour to tackle mostly light duty. It is all the sort of
thing that takes two days to acclimatize and then you have the
afternoons free to yourself as well. You may even take up reading
and research.
How You Can Travel
The World & Learn About Organic Farming At The Same Time
September 9, 2014 |
Andrew Martin, WWOOF
While there may be
some dogs on the properties you visit WWOOFING is not the kind that
is typically associated with barking dogs or other canine species. A
few years back now I had the good fortune to travel around New
Zealand and spend a few months WWOOFING on the North Island of
New Zealand.
It was an
incredible experience and possibly one of the best practical
educational experiences of my life. WWOOFING for the uninitiated
is an acronym for Willing Workers on Organic Farms.
The simple idea behind
the concept is to promote awareness of ecological farming practices
by living and working on organic farms. WWOOFING also provides a
cultural exchange for people of all ages and countries in a
casual work / social setting. WWOOFING aims to provide
volunteers with first-hand practical experience in organic and
ecologically sound growing methods, to help the organic movement, and
to let volunteers experience life in a rural setting or a different
country.
WOOFING is a
loose network of national organisations that facilitate placement of
volunteers on organic farms. While there are WWOOF hosts in 99
countries around the world, no central list or organisation
encompasses all WWOOF hosts. As there is no single international
WWOOF membership, all recognised WWOOF country organisations strive
to maintain similar standards, and work together to promote the aims
of WWOOF.[1]
How It Works
Usually you live with
your host and are expected to join in and cooperate with the day to
day activities. In most countries the exchange is based on
4-6 hours help-fair exchange for a full day’s food and
accommodation. You may be asked to help with a variety of
tasks like sowing seed, making compost, gardening, planting, cutting
wood, weeding, harvesting, packing, milking, feeding, fencing, making
mud-bricks, wine making, cheese making and bread making. The host
provides food, accommodation and opportunities to learn, in exchange
for assistance with farming or gardening activities.
WWOOF enables people to live and volunteer on a
variety of organic properties.
The length of your
stay at the farm is negotiated directly between you and your host.
Most WWOOF visits are between one and two weeks, though some may be
as short as two or three days or as long as six months. The first
step of your WWOOFing experience is to choose your destination and
join the relevant WWOOF organization. As a member you will be able to
access a database of farms in your chosen country and start making
plans. If you want to have hands on experience, learn and
share organic and sustainable ways of living then WWOOF
might be for you.(1) It is important to note that WWOOF
volunteers (‘WWOOFers’) generally do not receive any
financial payments.
Why Do It?
- Get to meet a bunch of cool people from all over the world, usually like minded.
- Build long lasting relationships with like minded folks from around the globe.
- Learn heaps about organics and growing food sustainably.
- You will also get to experience eating nutrient dense healthy food (in most cases) straight from the land.
- You will learn new skills you never thought of or dreamed of doing.
- WWOOFING is relatively inexpensive. The only cost is in transport to and from each WWOOF property.
WWOOF Hosts
Usually those with a
farm, smallholding, garden, allotment, vineyard or woodland and
follow organic or sustainability principles, you might consider
opening your home to WWOOFers. Sometimes retreats such as yoga,
meditation and health spa’s offer WWOOFING. The WWOOFER will spend
time each day maintaining gardens, helping with cooking and other
duties in exchange for free access to and participation in
courses and education.
The hosts vary from
region to region and country to country, but generally speaking many
WWOOF hosts practice Permaculture or Bio-dynamic growing methods
or straight out organic gardening. Some hosts make a living off their
land, others are homesteaders interested in self-sufficiency, some
are families others are individuals. There are also cooperatives,
communities and eco- villages.
Hosting WWOOFers can
be hugely rewarding as you are enabling people to learn about organic
growing techniques. You will also be demonstrating an alternative way
of life. Many WWOOFers are so inspired by the experience that they
end up changing their lifestyles and even setting up their own
organic farms! As a host you are improving communication and aiding
growth within the organic movement and sharing important skills and
resources for the development of a more sustainable lifestyle.
Important Note: While
most WWOOF hosts are great it is important to understand that each
host may differ and have different expectations. That’s why it is
important to engage and communicate adequately beforehand to ensure
both you and the host benefit from the experience equally.
No comments:
Post a Comment