My experience of working on a farm traveling in Europe, this is what Wwoof is and how to become a wwoofer, my story. A post to organize a long-term trip, working and self-supporting.
I quit my job in Germany and my stable life for become wwoofer, touring Europe. It is the dream of many to travel the world, certainly the cost scares a little. What if I said that is there a way to do it for free? Of course it takes good will, and a lot of love for nature, but in exchange you can get room and board for the entire travel time. No money and no contracts, just an exchange of favors and mutual trust.
Wwoof (World Wide Opportunities On Organic Farms) is an organization that connects organic farms from all over the world that host volunteers in exchange for work in the fields or with animals. There are no special experiences and no guarantees, only the desire to work and get involved. Among other things, qualities that usually all young people and people of good will who want to change their life have.
The association founded by Sue Coppard was born in England in 1971 and if Wwoof in Italy is not yet fully known, even if present and active, in countries like England and Australia it is very well known and used by young people who do not want to spend too much money on accommodation and want to do something useful during the trip . You can also stay for months as long as you actively contribute to the progress of the farm.
Please note: however: wwoofing should not be considered only as a vacation and not even as a job. If you are only looking for free accommodation, wwoofing is not for you. Life on the farm is certainly hard, it is not easy and it takes a lot of determination to continue, a spirit of adaptation and above all you have to love what you do. If you want to learn, to know new places and new cultures, to appreciate a simple life and if you love nature and life in the open air, then this is the right choice.
There are many young people, especially today, who are looking for a job, perhaps not too demanding but certainly tiring, to move, relocate and throw themselves into a new adventure. In this case, wwoofing can be a good starting point to settle in and get to know a new nation all the way and then settle there.
How to become a wwoofer
Need join the association Wwoof of the country you want to go to and if the country in question does not have an association of its own, look on the Wwwof Indipendents website, which gathers more countries. With a donation ranging from around 20 to 30 euros (often paid also for couples), all the contacts of the farms are received for one year from the date of registration. Contacts who clearly are reserved for members. If you want to get an idea before signing up, you can read about host profiles even without being a member. Once registered, fill in your profile carefully and start your search.
It would be advisable to contact the farms a few months in advance, to find out if they are available and give them the opportunity to organize themselves. Through the site you can contact the farm by email. When you contact someone for the first time, write something about yourself, your character and your eating habits, what you like to do and why you have chosen that farm. Don't go too far and be yourself.
Then you have to arm yourself with a lot of patience and wait, because not all hosts respond after two days. And if someone you care so much doesn't answer after a few weeks, then try calling, maybe they just haven't had time to check their email. Everyone is always very nice and cheerful on the phone.
The work on the farms is very varied, depending on the place, the climate and the seasons, and it is good to inquire before departure on the tasks to be performed and the hours of "work" and free time.
Read well the regulation, because the association is very attentive to the protection of wwoofers, in case of excessive work or exploitation for example. An interesting thing is that the wwoofer is forbidden to use power tools such as tractors or chainsaws, so as not to jeopardize their own safety. It is also good to take out insurance for voluntary activities, which covers both any accidents but also any damage caused (the basic coverage costs 35 euros per year). Sometimes this insurance is included in the membership fee (in Italy for example), but not always, so inquire before you leave, also because many hosts require it.
What is certain is that an experience of this type changes your life, not only because it allows you to actually live in another place, in another country and also in another part of the world, but also because it allows you to meet new people who are like us, and united by the same dream, they think of a different world. This experience finally allows you to live well, to live on your own by putting together the work of many people not only to do something concrete but also to support themselves without asking anyone for anything, because many of these farms independently produce most of the food they consume.
What's even more beautiful is that you make many friends, you meet new people, people who come from our own country or who are in one of the countries we would love to visit. Friendships are made and acquaintances are consolidated, even and above all once back home ... just in case it happens!
I have chosen to wwoofing to gain new experiences, to learn to live self-producing my food and not to be too dependent on money. In a world where everyone is always connected, I want to rediscover a simple life away from the noise of the cities. When we travel we usually focus our attention on big cities and known places, but through wwoofing I want to know the countries I will visit from a new perspective, that of small towns and the countryside.
A wonderful experience for those who want to discover new aspects of life and travel, why not throw yourself?
I a little thought if I were you I would do it.
