Volunteering on an organic farm is a great way to gain valuable life experiences.There are farm volunteer opportunities all over the world.Seeking opportunities is the first step to securing a position as an organic farm volunteer.Pick the right farm by weighing your needs against the expectations of the farm.Get ready for your experience as an organic farm volunteer by making a firm commitment.
Step 1: Stay close to home.
Picking the place where you'd like to work is an important first step in volunteering.If you live in the country, consider working on a farm.Lower costs for travel, speaking the language, and being close to home are some of the benefits of this.
Step 2: Consider volunteering outside of the country.
One way to see other parts of the world is to use organic farming.If you've always wanted to farm in a certain location or climate, you should look for organic farming opportunities there.A valid passport is required if you plan to travel abroad.Traveling abroad can be more expensive because you will be responsible for your own travel expenses.Farming is less expensive than a traditional vacation because it is a way to cover your housing.Farming is a great way to experience a foreign culture.
Step 3: Find volunteer opportunities for organic farming.
If there is an organic farm near you, you could try to get in touch with the farmer to see if he could use some help.You can also look for volunteer opportunities with trusted organizations, such as organic farm programs sponsored or set up by universities, in addition to the opportunities on your local neighborhood farm.You should be careful with the opportunities you choose.Don't accept an offer from a person or an organic farm that you have no way of researching or doing a background check on.
Step 4: You need to apply for membership.
An alternative way to find organic farming volunteer opportunities is to join an organization that connects hosts with volunteers.You can simply search for the country that interests you.You can expect to pay a small fee when joining an organization.The WWOOF provides opportunities throughout the globe and is the most effective organization.Most of the organizations you can use are not that far-reaching.
Step 5: The organization has a list of farm hosts.
You may need to purchase a specific list of organic farm hosts if you apply with WWOOF.Some organizations will give you lists for free.Purchase or request a list of farms that you would like to visit.One by one, read about the farm opportunities.Most volunteer farm positions provide some form of housing.Tents, primitive cabins, and private houses can all be found in the area.Some farms provide food.Internet access, as well as the ability to bring pets, will vary from farm to farm.
Step 6: Look at the facilities.
You have to be realistic about what you can and cannot do.There are different amenities on each farm.It's a good idea to think about whether or not that will work for you.Make sure the host farm has internet access.In some places, this is limited to space for a tent, so make sure you are comfortable in the accommodations.You may be in close quarters with other people.There will be a lot of space and privacy in some places.
Step 7: Accept the demands.
Take the workload of each farm into account when you look at the list.Do you have the ability to meet the physical demands of a farm?If you have physical limitations, make sure that the explanation of duties does not list a task that you will not be able to perform.You have to commit to the daily work requirements.Most farms want you to work between 5 and 8 hours a day.Take into account the climate in which you would be working.It could be hot, cool, or rainy.
Step 8: There are different kinds of farms.
Different farms specialize in different things.When choosing the right farm, take this into account.Most of the organic farms that are looking for volunteers will focus on vegetation, but some will have animals as well.Look for a farm that fits the type of work you would like to do.
Step 9: Make sure that there is at least one person who speaks a language you speak.
If no one on the farm can speak the native language, it would be difficult to learn how to speak it.If English is the only language you speak, you should make sure someone in your family or on the farm can translate for you.
Step 10: Pay attention to dates.
The start date and minimum time limit are important to consider when selecting a farm.If there is a maximum time limit, it usually means the end of the growing season.A minimum time limit is almost always present.It's not a good fit for you if you can't commit to a certain amount of time.
Step 11: The farm host can be contacted.
You can email, call, or send a letter to the farm host once you have selected the opportunity that best matches your needs and wants.Information that demonstrates your interest in volunteering as well as what you can offer should be included in this initial correspondence.Please include your membership information.Send a copy of the card or membership number to the prospective organic farm host if the organization you are a part of gives you one.Tell us a little about yourself.Tell the host where you come from, what languages you speak, why you are interested in working for his or her farm, and what skills you can offer.Mention how long you can stay and any physical limitations you have or needs that must be met for you.Inquire about the opportunity and the farm.Asking for more information about the type of work you will be doing, how to get to the farm, and where the nearest town is will help.It's important to take an interest in the farm.Ask about the history of the farm.
Step 12: Make things happen.
You will have to make travel arrangements to get to the farm.Make sure that your vehicle is fit for the trip by booking any plane, train, or bus tickets.Make sure you have all the gear you need, such as a tent.If you want to know what clothing or gear you need to bring, you can ask your farm host.
Step 13: Stay focused.
Unless something urgent and unavoidable happens, you have to stick with the organic farm host.Do not back out.Most of these farms are small and run by families, and the reason they hire volunteers instead of workers is because they have limited resources to work with.The farm is in dire need of help.If you back out, the farm may not be able to find a replacement in time.