The WWOOF program started in the United Kingdom in 1971 under the name ‘Working Weekends on Organic Farms’. The intention was to provide people living in London with an opportunity to participate in the organic farming movement occurring in the countryside. Since the establishment of WWOOF in the U.K., the program has expanded to ‘Worldwide Opportunities on Organic Farms,’ and is now in more than 100 countries around the world, with a wide range of farm stay opportunities. WWOOF programs operate independently in each country, so please contact individual WWOOF organizations directly for the most accurate information on WWOOFing in that country.
Visitors, or ‘WWOOFers’, spend about half a day helping out on a host farm, learn about the organic movement and sustainable agriculture, and receive room and board during their visit – with no money exchanged between hosts and WWOOFers. WWOOF is an educational and cultural exchange program. WWOOFing is a way to learn practical farming skills, be part of the organic agriculture movement, and experience the heart of American agrarian culture. The WWOOF-USA® Host Farm Directory lists 2,178 organic farms (not necessarily USDA certified organic) and gardens across the country. Any farm, community or garden project using organic methods that would like to participate in a cultural and educational exchange may join the program. The program is open to anyone 18 years of age or older, regardless of experience. WWOOF-USA® membership is valid for one year from the day it is purchased. We encourage all types of WWOOFers and hosts who would like to work together to strengthen sustainable agriculture to be a part of WWOOF-USA®.
WWOOF farms offer a variety of educational opportunities, including growing vegetables, keeping bees, building straw bale houses, working with animals, making wine, and much more. With farms in all 50 states, the US Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico, there is something for everyone.
Be A WWOOFer!
WWOOFers generally spend about half a day on a host farm, learn about sustainable agriculture, and receive room and board. If you are under 18 years of age, a legal guardian must accompany you. Children and pets are welcome at many farms, just be sure to ask the host farmer before arriving or use our advanced search options in the online directory, available to members only.
For International WWOOFers: WWOOF-USA® cannot help you obtain a visa. You are responsible for your travel and/or student visa. The United States Embassy grants temporary visas to those individuals who want to enter the United States. Applying for a visa should be done as soon as possible as it can take several months depending on the embassy in your country. We recommend first securing your visitor visa, and then joining WWOOF-USA®. For more information on visas, please read our Frequently Asked Questions. Please keep in mind that WWOOF is not paid work; hosts do not offer monetary compensation.
Be A Host!
WWOOF-USA publishes a Host Farm Directory that lists 2,178 organic (USDA certification not required) farms and gardens across the country (including Hawaii, the US Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico).
Any organic farm, community or garden project in the United States that would like to host visitors can participate in the program.
Generally, WWOOFers spend half a day on farms and receive educational opportunities, room and board from their hosts.
This is an educational and cultural exchange program and hosts do not offer stipends or other monetary compensation to WWOOFers.
For more information, cost and application process visit WWOOFER-USA Website.
*Cover Image Courtesy; WWOOF USA.