In addition to being an excellent way to learn, WWOOFing is an incredible opportunity to discover new lands and different cultures. The question you might be asking yourself now is: Where to WWOOF, in my own country or elsewhere? With a network present on all 5 continents, you will be spoiled for choice!
Before selecting the perfect place for you to volunteer, it is important to prepare your stay:
The WWOOF network is not spread evenly: some countries list thousands of hosts and their own national association, while elsewhere farms are reached through WWOOF Independents. This overview gathers the figures and the farming styles mentioned below.
| Destination | Size of network | Farming and setting | Worth knowing |
|---|---|---|---|
| France | Over 2,300 hosts | Permaculture and market gardening | Busiest in Brittany, Poitou-Charentes, the Pyrenees and the Alps |
| United Kingdom | Over 400 farms | Typically market gardening | The birthplace of WWOOF |
| Germany | Nearly 500 farms | Western Europe, where WWOOFing is most prevalent | Served by a national organisation |
| Spain | Around 300 farms | Western Europe, where WWOOFing is most prevalent | Served by a national organisation |
| Ireland | Almost 200 farms | Western Europe, where WWOOFing is most prevalent | English-speaking host farms |
| The Americas | Three national associations (United States, Canada, Chile) | Cold Canadian plains, Mexican desert, Costa Rican jungle, Brazilian Amazon | Other countries reached through WWOOF Independents, except Venezuela |
| Asia | Around ten national associations | China, India, Japan and South Korea among them | A guaranteed change of scenery |
| Australia and New Zealand | Two of the most active countries in the world | Farms across both countries | English as the national language, drawing travellers worldwide |
| Africa | Three national organisations (Malawi, Togo, Nigeria) | Farms in about half of African countries | Tanzania, South Africa and Egypt through WWOOF Independents |
Whichever line tempts you, check the visa rules, the safety advice and the language spoken before you write to a host.
Within the WWOOF network, it is possible to volunteer in nearly 130 countries worldwide. The international association lists them here.
France is one of the most dynamic when it comes to WWOOFing, with over 2,300 hosts. Topping the list of active regions are Brittany, Poitou-Charentes, the Pyrenees, and the Alps.
In France, the movement is overseen by WWOOF France association. Since WWOOFing does not have a legal status, the national branch has collaborated with a local insurance entity Mutualité Sociale Agricole (MSA) to define an initial level of recognition. Precise guidelines are defined to organize stays. The objective is to protect the system from abuse such as concealed labor laws and tax avoidance.
In mainland France, many farms practice permaculture and market gardening. Thanks to the diversity of regions and the richness of the French terroir, you will certainly discover unique ancestral techniques. For example, it is possible to try your hand at organic hops production in the north of France, how to process chestnut in Ardèche, or the secrets of cheese making in Corsica.
WWOOFing is very prevalent in Europe, with around 20 local organizations, especially in Western Europe. Luckily, Greece, the Czech Republic, Romania, and Serbia also have great networks. Working together as independant WWOOF hosts, it is possible to find welcoming places in all other countries on the continent.
The birthplace of WWOOF, the United Kingdom, has over 400 farms that are typically focused on market gardening. Spain, on the other hand, has around 300 farms, Germany has nearly 500, and Ireland has almost 200. In Eastern Europe, the network is growing rapidly with new local branches in Baltic countries and Hungary. In the Middle East, WWOOFing is present in Turkey, Israel, Oman, Jordan, and Lebanon.
Although the continent has only three national associations (United States, Canada, and Chile), the movement is well-established in all the Americas. Again, through the WWOOF Independents website, it is possible to connect with farms in all of Central and South America (except Venezuela).
The great appeal of America lies in offering welcoming places in various latitudes with highly diverse climates. The agricultural practices of the cold plains in Canada will be quite different from those in the Mexican desert, tropical jungles of Costa Rica, or the Brazilian Amazon rainforest.
Asia is well represented in terms of WWOOFing with around ten national associations, including China, India, Japan, and South Korea. In these countries, a change of scenery is guaranteed! Oceania is also not far behind and includes two of the most active countries in the world. Australia and New Zealand, with English as the national language, attract travelers from around the globe.
WWOOFing is expanding in Africa. The continent has three national organizations (Malawi, Togo, and Nigeria). Through the WWOOF Independents association, farms are accessible in about half of the African countries, such as Tanzania, South Africa, and Egypt.
There are many countries to discover through WWOOFing, and the network continues to grow. It is highly likely that welcoming farms can be found in all countries in the near future. All that remains is for you to select your next destination!
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