WWOOF Frequently Asked Questions
Heard about WWOOFing, but don’t really know what it is or how to get involved? Here are some answers to frequently asked questions. If you don’t see your question answered, let me know below and I’ll respond as soon as possible. Or, head over to the FAQ page on the international WWOOF website.
Questions (click to jump):
What is WWOOF?
WWOOF is the acronym for the organization World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms. The organization is a collection of organic farms all over the world who offer inviting spaces for WWOOFers, the name for the volunteers, to learn and work on their farm in exchange for food and accommodation.
How does it work?
The general guidelines designated by the WWOOF organization are 4-6 hours of work per day, about 5 days per week. This can vary depending on the host and season, so discuss with each host prior to your arrival if you’re curious. In exchange for your help, you’ll receive food and accommodation.
Basic steps:
- Decide which country you’d like to WWOOF in.
- Sign up for a membership on the country’s WWOOF website. Find the list of countries here.
- Set up a profile with a photo and a description of yourself .
- Find a host that matches your interests, diet/accommodation desires, and location.
- Request to visit their farm with specific dates. In your first message, include what you like about their farm and why you want to WWOOF there, as well as any basic questions you may have. *If you have questions and aren’t positive you want to work there, feel free to send them a message before requesting to visit.
- Most farms have a general response time listed on their profile. If you don’t hear back from them after that time, either be patient, send another kind reminder message, or find a different farm. I’ve learned many times over that farms often do not respond for various reason. Take it in stride and know that you’ll end up at a great place no matter what!
- Confirm plans and logistics and start WWOOFing!
Are there age limits?
Yes and no. If you’re planning to WWOOF alone, you need to be 18 or older in most countries. Some, including Germany, Portugal, Italy and the UK may allow younger volunteers.
Many farms allow families, in which case, it doesn’t necessarily matter the age of the child. This information is under the “Opportunitiy” tab. You can search for hosts who allow this and discuss specifics.
There is no upper age limit :). Many retired couples WWOOF full-time or part of the year. As long as you can do the work and find a farm you’re comfortable at, you can and should WWOOF!
Will I make money as a WWOOFer?
Generally, no. The agreement between volunteers and hosts is a certain amount of work in exchange for food and accommodation. However, some hosts may offer payment if your stay is long enough, if you’re working more hours, or if you’re providing other services. These are all outside the bounds of WWOOF and would be something discussed personally with your host.
Do I need to have experience?
Nope! You don’t need any experience. Most hosts are very happy to teach you what you need to know, and most of the work can be learned quickly. However, there are hosts who prefer WWOOFers with more experience in certain tasks, especially if they only have room for 1 or 2. This will usually be stated in their profile and is something to have a conversation about.
For my first time WWOOFing, I made it very clear that I was eager to learn, but I had almost no experience. I had no problem and everyone was very willing to share information (there’s always so much to learn from farmers whether you have previous experience or not!).
Do I need to be a morning person?
Not necessarily! Many farms are flexible with schedules or allow you to choose your own hours. If a farm has a strict schedule, often they will put it in their profile. If you’re curious, or are strictly not a morning person, it would be a good idea to include a question about their schedule in your first email to them.
You may find though, that after a little time on the farm, you naturally start going to bed and waking up earlier with the sun. Waking up early also allows you to avoid some of the intense midday heat in some seasons.
What is the food like?
Farm fresh! It always depends on the farm. Generally, you can expect to have access to what’s growing on the farm, pantry staples and other grocery items.
Often, hosts will describe what food they provide and whether or not WWOOFers will eat with the hosts or prepare their own food. You can find this information in the farm description and “Accommodation” tab. They will also state which types of diets they can accommodate for (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, omnivore only, etc.). If food is important to you, make sure to have a clear conversation with your potential host before arriving.
Click here to see examples of what I’ve eaten at farms.
What is the accommodation like?
As always, it depends on the farm. Some farms are all about tent camping without any wifi or running water, some have nice rooms in the house with full surround sound and access to all the comforts. Others are somewhere in between with outside cabins and treehouses.
If you are looking for a room in a house or other type of accommodation specifically, you can filter your search results on the WWOOF website to only show those hosts.
My two cents: Be open to something that may not seem immediately comfortable to you – you may be surprised and find out you love living simply and waking up in a tent next to the free-range chickens every day at dawn. Also be realistic with yourself if you’re definitely not into that. 🙂
What is the work like?
What kind of farm is it? What do they grow or produce? This will often tell you what type of work you may be doing. Work varies depending on season, abilities, and projects the farmers want done. Usually tasks will fall into planting, harvesting, processing and preserving, milking, delivering goods and selling at farmers’ markets, construction projects, and basic animal care. However, if you have other skills to offer, your host may take you up on those – like fixing vehicles, filming videos for their website, or coming up with your own projects to help the farm.
Not all days are the same, but prepare and expect to get covered in sweat, dirt, and occasionally chicken poo. It happens.
Want to discuss what the work is like or other questions? Send me a message, or sign up for a time to video chat (promise I’m not scary).
How can I learn about a certain type of agriculture or a specific skill?
First of all, it’s awesome that you’re interested in learning specific skills! There are different ways to go about this. You can search your keyword in the searchbox on the “Find a Host” page. For example, if you want to find farms using regenerative techniques, type “regenerative” in the the searchbox and all the farms using that word will show on the map.
You can also use the dropdown “Methodologies” box. From here, you can choose for farms using agricultural techniques like biodynamics, crop rotation, composting, grazing management, vegan farming, hydroponics, and so much more!
What is your personal experience with WWOOF and why are you the one telling me about it?
No one has asked this, but I’ll let you know anyways :). I have spent a total of about two months WWOOFing on 6 different farms (Minnesota, Manitoba, Washington, Oregon, Colorado, and England). Click here for some of my highlights.
I’m not an expert, but I have gained quite a bit of knowledge and love to share it so others can get acquainted and see WWOOfing as an option for them. Let me be that one friend you know who’s WWOOFed before.