Organic Farming vacations - WWOOF USA
 

I just saw an ad for this organization - Worldwide Opportunities on Organic Farms. http://www.wwoofusa.org/

You pay a small membership fee and get listings around the U.S (extra fee for international listings) of organic farms you can stay at in exchange for working on the farms part time while you're there. Sounds like an interesting opportunity - learn more about organic farming practices while having an inexpensive place to stay.

Has anyone tried this or heard anything about this organization?

I'm familiar with the Canadian version since friends take in wwoofers. It can be very good - staying with a family and experiencing the area. However, I've heard of some not so good experiences - too much work, poor food or shelter.

Most of the people they took in were young people backpacking around for a year or so.

I think it would be wise to speak to the farmers and get expectations out there to avoid disappointment on both sides. I think also you need to be very flexible to enjoy it.

Thanks for the info, Heather. I was thinking the same thing - you'd have to do a lot of talking and determine expectations up front. The same goes for almost any other travel with others though.

I am 70, & will be wwoofing in Scotland this July. Will report on experience on return. A friend & I are already looking for a farm in Denmark for 2014.

Thanks, FirstMateNC - I'll be curious how your trip goes. Have fun!

irecommend has. Very positive experiences.

Be aware of possible legal issues, i.e., "working" under a tourist visa.

http://www.lonelyplanet.com/thorntre...readID=2228430

http://forum.virtualtourist.com/Euro...wPost=10062981

http://www.lowimpact.org/forums/viewtopic.php?t=1112

http://www.reddit.com/r/self/comment...in_the_usa_is/

etc.

Of course if you don't need a work visa then no problem.

etc.

Friends of mine did this and had a really great experience although it is certainly not the same as a relaxing sun-sea-and-sand trip – but that’s not what you want, otherwise you wouldn’t be looking at experiences like this! I would love to give it a try. As others said, I would ask lots of questions beforehand so you know how much work you are expected to do, when you have time off, what the accommodation is like, what food is included, etc – so you know what to expect. Good luck and have fun!