The concept of working for your food and accommodation while travelling is not a new one and many a budget conscious traveller has walked this well-worn path.
Wwoofing however is a little more specialised. Originally an acronym for “Working Weekends on Organic Farms”, the definition changed over the years to “Willing Workers On Organic Farms” as the need for assistance over longer periods arose. Due to the word “work” however causing some problems, the name finally settled to being “World Wide Opportunities On Organic Farms”.
Sue Coppard, in 1971 was the first to recognise the need for people like herself, who did not have the means or the opportunity, to access the countryside and support the organic movement. It was here in the suburbs of London that Wwoofing set its roots, now growing as a movement with more than 50 WWOOF groups worldwide.
How wwoofing 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 and you must be 18 or over and have all the legal travel documentation.
Wwoofing Hosts
If you have a garden, farm, café with organic produce, vineyard, woodland etc and you follow organic or sustainability principles, you might consider opening your home to WWOOFers.
You may practice Permaculture or Bio-dynamic growing methods and may or may not make a living off the land. You may be a business, family or a community and the only requirement is that you need to join WWOOF in the country where your farm is located.
Wwoofing volunteers
The length of time you stay will be negotiated between you and the host. In general your stay will be around 1 – 2 weeks but may be longer or shorter as needed.
Tasks may include: Sowing seeds, making compost, gardening, planting, cutting wood, weeding, harvesting, packing, milking, feeding, fencing, making mud-bricks, wine making, cheese making and bread making. Just keep in mind that this is predominantly outdoors work but may include some indoor tasks as well.
The first step of your WWOOFing experience is to choose your destination and join the relevant WWOOF organization. Then you arrange your flights or grab one of our free rentals on Transfercar.co.nz or Transfercar.com.au and get Wwoofing!!
