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[[Image:E9427-Wattamolla-raspberry-bushes.jpg|thumb|A WWOOF participant farm in Australia. The [[raspberry]] bushes pictured require regular weeding.]]
[[Image:E9427-Wattamolla-raspberry-bushes.jpg|thumb|A WWOOF participant farm in Australia. The [[raspberry]] bushes pictured require regular weeding.]]


'''World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms''' ('''WWOOF''', {{IPAc-en|ˈ|w|ʊ|f}}), or '''Willing Workers on Organic Farms''', is a loose network of national organizations that facilitate placement of volunteers on [[organic farming|organic farms]]. Australia with 2,600 hosts has the most host farms and enterprises, followed by New Zealand with 2,340 and United States with 2,052 hosts.<ref name=Stats>Paull, John (2016) [http://www.academia.edu/26803383/Organics_Olympiad_2016_Global_Indices_of_Leadership_in_Organic_Agriculture Organics Olympiad 2016: Global Indices of Leadership in Organic Agriculture], Journal of Social and Development Sciences. 7(2):79-87</ref> The UK has 688 WWOOF hosts.<ref name="Stats"/> While there are WWOOF hosts in 99 countries around the world, no central list or organization encompasses all WWOOF hosts. As there is no single international WWOOF membership, all recognised WWOOF country organizations strive to maintain similar standards, and [[Cooperation|work together]] to promote the aims of WWOOF.<ref>[http://www.wwoof.net/ WWOOF - Around the World]</ref>
'''World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms''' ('''WWOOF''', {{IPAc-en|ˈ|w|ʊ|f}}), or '''Willing Workers on Organic Farms''', is a [[hospitality service]] operated by a loose network of national organizations that facilitate [[homestay]]s on [[organic farming|organic farms]]. Australia with 2,600 hosts has the most host farms and enterprises, followed by New Zealand with 2,340 and United States with 2,052 hosts.<ref name=Stats>Paull, John (2016) [http://www.academia.edu/26803383/Organics_Olympiad_2016_Global_Indices_of_Leadership_in_Organic_Agriculture Organics Olympiad 2016: Global Indices of Leadership in Organic Agriculture], Journal of Social and Development Sciences. 7(2):79-87</ref> The UK has 688 WWOOF hosts.<ref name="Stats"/> While there are WWOOF hosts in 99 countries around the world, no central list or organization encompasses all WWOOF hosts. As there is no single international WWOOF membership, all recognised WWOOF country organizations strive to maintain similar standards, and [[Cooperation|work together]] to promote the aims of WWOOF.<ref>[http://www.wwoof.net/ WWOOF - Around the World]</ref>


WWOOF aims to provide volunteers (often called "WWOOFers" or "woofers", {{IPAc-en|ˈ|w|ʊ|f|ər}}) with first-hand 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. WWOOF volunteers generally do not receive [[Money|financial payment]]. The host provides [[food]], [[Lodging|accommodation]], and opportunities to learn, in exchange for assistance with farming or [[gardening]] activities.
WWOOF aims to provide volunteers (often called "WWOOFers" or "woofers", {{IPAc-en|ˈ|w|ʊ|f|ər}}) with first-hand 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. WWOOF volunteers generally do not receive [[money]] in exchange for services. The host provides [[food]], [[lodging]], and opportunities to learn, in exchange for assistance with farming or [[gardening]] activities.


The duration of the visit can range from a few days to years. Workdays average five to six hours, and participants interact with WWOOFers from other countries.<ref name="little">Simmons, Krista, ''Work a little, get back a lot'', May 27, 2009, page 8, Brand X ([[Los Angeles Times]])</ref> WWOOF farms include private gardens through [[smallholding]]s, [[allotment (gardening)|allotments]], and [[commercial farm]]s. Farms become WWOOF hosts by enlisting with their national organization. In countries with no WWOOF organization, farms enlist with WWOOF Independents:<ref>[http://www.wwoofindependents.org/ WWOOF Independents]</ref><ref>[http://www.wwoofafrica.org/ WWOOF Independents Africa]</ref><ref>[http://www.wwoof.asia/ WWOOF Independents Asia-Pacific]</ref><ref>[http://www.wwoofeurope.net/ WWOOF Independents Europe]</ref><ref>[http://www.wwooflatinamerica.com/ WWOOF Independents Latin America]</ref>
The duration of the visit can range from a few days to years. Workdays average five to six hours, and participants interact with WWOOFers from other countries.<ref name=want>{{cite web | url=https://www.theguardian.com/money/2011/apr/23/wwoof-world-wide-opportunities-on-organic-farms | title=Want to be a wwoofer? | first=Rebecca | last=Smithers | publisher=[[The Guardian]] | date=22 April 2011}}</ref> WWOOF farms include private gardens through [[smallholding]]s, [[allotment (gardening)|allotments]], and [[commercial farm]]s. Farms become WWOOF hosts by enlisting with their national organization. In countries with no WWOOF organization, farms enlist with WWOOF Independents:<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.cnn.com/2010/TRAVEL/06/15/wwoofing.volunteer.farming/ | title=WWOOF your way around the world! | first=Jacob | last=Madden | publisher=[[CNN]] | date=June 16, 2010}}</ref>


Examples of WWOOF experiences include harvesting cup gum [[honey]] from [[Liguria]]n bees at Island Beehive in [[Kangaroo Island]], harvesting [[Syrah]] grapes for Knappstein Vineyard in the [[Clare Valley]], and harvesting [[coffee bean]]s from [[coffea arabica|arabica]]s in [[Northern Thailand]].<ref name="little" />
Examples of WWOOF experiences include harvesting cup gum [[honey]] from [[Liguria]]n bees at Island Beehive in [[Kangaroo Island]], harvesting [[Syrah]] grapes for Knappstein Vineyard in the [[Clare Valley]], and harvesting [[coffee bean]]s from [[coffea arabica]]s in [[Northern Thailand]].<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.houstonchronicle.com/life/article/Do-you-have-what-it-takes-to-WWOOF-6705437.php | title=Do you have what it takes to WWOOF? | first=Maggie | last=Gordon | publisher=[[Houston Chronicle]] | date=December 17, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2014/mar/11/volunteer-farm-family-experts-guide-wwoofing-with-kids | title=How to volunteer on a farm as a family: expert's guide to Wwoofing with kids | first=Jason and Jill | last=DiLoreti | publisher=[[The Guardian]] | date=11 March 2014}}</ref>


== History ==
==History==


WWOOF originally stood for "Working Weekends On Organic Farms" and began in England in 1971.<ref>[http://wwoofinternational.org/history-of-wwoof/ WWOOF history]</ref> Sue Coppard, a woman working as a [[secretary]] in [[London]], wanted to provide urban dwellers with access to the [[countryside]], while supporting the [[organic movement]]. Her idea started with trial working weekends for four people at the [[Biodynamic agriculture|biodynamic]] farm at [[Emerson College UK|Emerson College]]<ref>{{cite web|title=Many Hands Make Light Work |work= |publisher=Emerson College |date=Mar 9, 2009 |url=http://www.emerson.org.uk/biodynamic-agriculture-articles/bid/14671/Many-Hands-Make-Light-Work |accessdate=2010-08-09 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20100101232239/http://www.emerson.org.uk/biodynamic-agriculture-articles/bid/14671/Many-Hands-Make-Light-Work |archivedate=January 1, 2010 }}</ref> in [[Sussex]].
WWOOF originally stood for "Working Weekends On Organic Farms" and began in England in 1971.<ref name=history>[http://wwoofinternational.org/history-of-wwoof/ WWOOF International: History of WWOOF]</ref> Sue Coppard, a woman working as a [[secretary]] in [[London]], wanted to provide urban dwellers with access to the [[countryside]], while supporting the [[organic movement]]. Her idea started with trial working weekends for four people at the [[Biodynamic agriculture|biodynamic]] farm at [[Emerson College UK|Emerson College]]<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2006/mar/07/ethicalliving.lifeandhealth3 | title=Good lives: Sue Coppard | publisher=[[The Guardian]] | date=7 March 2006}}</ref> in [[Sussex]].


People soon started volunteering for longer periods than just weekends, so the name was changed to '''Willing Workers On Organic Farms''', but then the word "work" caused problems with some countries' [[labour law]]s and [[Immigration to the United Kingdom since 1922|immigration authorities]], who tended to confuse WWOOFers with [[migrant worker]]s and oppose foreigners competing for local jobs.<ref>Kosnik, E. (2013): The story of the WWOOF acronym. In: WWOOF, Environmentalism and Ecotopia: Alternative Social Practices between Ideal and Reality. Victoria University of Wellington 2013</ref> Both to eliminate that problem and also in recognition of WWOOFing's worldwide scope, the name was changed again in 2000 to ''World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms''. Some WWOOF groups (such as Australia) choose to retain the older name, however.
People soon started volunteering for longer periods than just weekends, so the name was changed to '''Willing Workers On Organic Farms''', but then the word "work" caused problems with some countries' [[labour law]]s and [[Immigration to the United Kingdom since 1922|immigration authorities]], who tended to confuse WWOOFers with [[migrant worker]]s and oppose foreigners competing for local jobs.<ref name=history/> Both to eliminate that problem and also in recognition of WWOOFing's worldwide scope, the name was changed again in 2000 to ''World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms''. Some WWOOF groups (such as Australia) choose to retain the older name, however.


In the year 2000 the first International WWOOF conference was held with representatives from 15 countries.
In the year 2000 the first International WWOOF conference was held with representatives from 15 countries.
Line 26: Line 26:
It was agreed to:
It was agreed to:
* Develop guidelines as to what is meant by being a WWOOFer, a WWOOF host and to go WWOOFing.
* Develop guidelines as to what is meant by being a WWOOFer, a WWOOF host and to go WWOOFing.
* Encourage and support emerging WWOOF organisations in developing countries.<ref>{{cite web|title=History of WWOOF|url=http://www.wwoof.net/history-of-wwoof/|accessdate=6 March 2014}}</ref>
* Encourage and support emerging WWOOF organisations in developing countries.<ref name=history/>


== Mission statement ==
==Mission statement==


WWOOF is a worldwide movement linking volunteers with organic farmers and growers to promote cultural and educational experiences based on trust and non-monetary exchange, thereby helping to building a sustainable global community.<ref>{{cite web|title=Mission statement|url=http://www.wwoof.net|website=WWOOF|publisher=Federation of WWOOF Organisations}}</ref>
WWOOF is a worldwide movement linking volunteers with organic farmers and growers to promote cultural and educational experiences based on trust and non-monetary exchange, thereby helping to building a sustainable global community.<ref>{{cite web|title=Mission statement|url=http://www.wwoof.net|website=WWOOF|publisher=Federation of WWOOF Organisations}}</ref>


== Volunteering ==
==Volunteering==


Volunteers must first choose what country they would like to visit and volunteer in. They can sign up for their desired country on the WWOOF website. After signing up volunteers will receive a list of farms located in their country of choice. From this point it is up to the volunteer to contact their desired farms and arrange the dates and duration of their stay. The duration of a volunteer's stay can range from days to months, but is typically one to two weeks. Volunteers can expect to work for 4–6 hours a day for a full day's food and accommodation. A volunteer could be asked to help with a variety of tasks, including: sowing seed, making [[compost]], gardening, planting, cutting wood, weeding, harvesting, packing, milking, feeding, fencing, making mud-bricks, wine making, cheese making and bread baking. WWOOF promotes participation as a way to experience first hand a local culture, customs, and nature through farming.
Volunteers must first choose what country they would like to visit and volunteer in. They can sign up for their desired country on the WWOOF website. After signing up volunteers will receive a list of farms located in their country of choice. From this point it is up to the volunteer to contact their desired farms and arrange the dates and duration of their stay. The duration of a volunteer's stay can range from days to months, but is typically one to two weeks. Volunteers can expect to work for 4–6 hours a day for a full day's food and accommodation. A volunteer could be asked to help with a variety of tasks, including: sowing seed, making [[compost]], gardening, planting, cutting wood, weeding, harvesting, packing, milking, feeding, fencing, making mud-bricks, wine making, cheese making and bread baking. WWOOF promotes participation as a way to experience first hand a local culture, customs, and nature through farming.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.sfgate.com/science/article/WWOOF-volunteers-pitch-in-on-organic-farms-4986594.php | title=WWOOF volunteers pitch in on organic farms | first=Stacy | last=Finz | publisher=[[San Francisco Chronicle]] | date=November 15, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.denverpost.com/2012/07/03/wwoof-volunteers-help-colorado-organic-farms-while-learning-the-trade/ | title=WWOOF volunteers help Colorado organic farms while learning the trade | first=MICHELLE | last=ZAYED | publisher=[[Denver Post]] | date=July 3, 2012}}</ref>


==Host locations ==
==Host locations==
{{As of|2016}}, 61 countries have a national WWOOF organization.<ref name="National WWOOF Organizations">[http://www.wwoofinternational.org National WWOOF Organizations]</ref> 8 of these are located in Africa, 12 in North and South America, 13 in Asia-Pacific, 26 in Europe and 2 in the Middle East. WWOOF Independents list hosts located in 53 other countries.
{{As of|2016}}, 61 countries have a national WWOOF organization.<ref name="National WWOOF Organizations">[http://www.wwoofinternational.org National WWOOF Organizations]</ref> 8 of these are located in Africa, 12 in North and South America, 13 in Asia-Pacific, 26 in Europe and 2 in the Middle East. WWOOF Independents list hosts located in 53 other countries.


==See also==
==See also==
*[[Forest farming]]
* [[Forest farming]]
*[[Natural farming]]
* [[Natural farming]]
*[[Permaculture]]
* [[Permaculture]]
*[[Ecotourism]]
* [[Ecotourism]]
*[[Agritourism]]
* [[Agritourism]]
*[[Agroecology]]
* [[Agroecology]]
*[[Organic Farming]]
* [[Organic Farming]]


== References ==
==References==
{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist}}


Revision as of 12:54, 7 May 2017

Japanese wwoofer in Guinea (2014)
A WWOOF participant farm in Australia. The raspberry bushes pictured require regular weeding.

World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms (WWOOF, /ˈwʊf/), or Willing Workers on Organic Farms, is a hospitality service operated by a loose network of national organizations that facilitate homestays on organic farms. Australia with 2,600 hosts has the most host farms and enterprises, followed by New Zealand with 2,340 and United States with 2,052 hosts.[1] The UK has 688 WWOOF hosts.[1] While there are WWOOF hosts in 99 countries around the world, no central list or organization encompasses all WWOOF hosts. As there is no single international WWOOF membership, all recognised WWOOF country organizations strive to maintain similar standards, and work together to promote the aims of WWOOF.[2]

WWOOF aims to provide volunteers (often called "WWOOFers" or "woofers", /ˈwʊfər/) with first-hand 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. WWOOF volunteers generally do not receive money in exchange for services. The host provides food, lodging, and opportunities to learn, in exchange for assistance with farming or gardening activities.

The duration of the visit can range from a few days to years. Workdays average five to six hours, and participants interact with WWOOFers from other countries.[3] WWOOF farms include private gardens through smallholdings, allotments, and commercial farms. Farms become WWOOF hosts by enlisting with their national organization. In countries with no WWOOF organization, farms enlist with WWOOF Independents:[4]

Examples of WWOOF experiences include harvesting cup gum honey from Ligurian bees at Island Beehive in Kangaroo Island, harvesting Syrah grapes for Knappstein Vineyard in the Clare Valley, and harvesting coffee beans from coffea arabicas in Northern Thailand.[5][6]

History

WWOOF originally stood for "Working Weekends On Organic Farms" and began in England in 1971.[7] Sue Coppard, a woman working as a secretary in London, wanted to provide urban dwellers with access to the countryside, while supporting the organic movement. Her idea started with trial working weekends for four people at the biodynamic farm at Emerson College[8] in Sussex.

People soon started volunteering for longer periods than just weekends, so the name was changed to Willing Workers On Organic Farms, but then the word "work" caused problems with some countries' labour laws and immigration authorities, who tended to confuse WWOOFers with migrant workers and oppose foreigners competing for local jobs.[7] Both to eliminate that problem and also in recognition of WWOOFing's worldwide scope, the name was changed again in 2000 to World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms. Some WWOOF groups (such as Australia) choose to retain the older name, however.

In the year 2000 the first International WWOOF conference was held with representatives from 15 countries.

It was agreed to:

  • Develop guidelines as to what is meant by being a WWOOFer, a WWOOF host and to go WWOOFing.
  • Encourage and support emerging WWOOF organisations in developing countries.[7]

Mission statement

WWOOF is a worldwide movement linking volunteers with organic farmers and growers to promote cultural and educational experiences based on trust and non-monetary exchange, thereby helping to building a sustainable global community.[9]

Volunteering

Volunteers must first choose what country they would like to visit and volunteer in. They can sign up for their desired country on the WWOOF website. After signing up volunteers will receive a list of farms located in their country of choice. From this point it is up to the volunteer to contact their desired farms and arrange the dates and duration of their stay. The duration of a volunteer's stay can range from days to months, but is typically one to two weeks. Volunteers can expect to work for 4–6 hours a day for a full day's food and accommodation. A volunteer could be asked to help with a variety of tasks, including: sowing seed, making compost, gardening, planting, cutting wood, weeding, harvesting, packing, milking, feeding, fencing, making mud-bricks, wine making, cheese making and bread baking. WWOOF promotes participation as a way to experience first hand a local culture, customs, and nature through farming.[10][11]

Host locations

As of 2016, 61 countries have a national WWOOF organization.[12] 8 of these are located in Africa, 12 in North and South America, 13 in Asia-Pacific, 26 in Europe and 2 in the Middle East. WWOOF Independents list hosts located in 53 other countries.

See also

References

  1. ^ a b Paull, John (2016) Organics Olympiad 2016: Global Indices of Leadership in Organic Agriculture, Journal of Social and Development Sciences. 7(2):79-87
  2. ^ WWOOF - Around the World
  3. ^ Smithers, Rebecca (22 April 2011). "Want to be a wwoofer?". The Guardian.
  4. ^ Madden, Jacob (June 16, 2010). "WWOOF your way around the world!". CNN.
  5. ^ Gordon, Maggie (December 17, 2015). "Do you have what it takes to WWOOF?". Houston Chronicle.
  6. ^ DiLoreti, Jason and Jill (11 March 2014). "How to volunteer on a farm as a family: expert's guide to Wwoofing with kids". The Guardian.
  7. ^ a b c WWOOF International: History of WWOOF
  8. ^ "Good lives: Sue Coppard". The Guardian. 7 March 2006.
  9. ^ "Mission statement". WWOOF. Federation of WWOOF Organisations.
  10. ^ Finz, Stacy (November 15, 2013). "WWOOF volunteers pitch in on organic farms". San Francisco Chronicle.
  11. ^ ZAYED, MICHELLE (July 3, 2012). "WWOOF volunteers help Colorado organic farms while learning the trade". Denver Post.
  12. ^ National WWOOF Organizations
  • WWOOF - The Federation of WWOOF Organisations (FOWO)
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