Since 2010, one host on a small, diverse family farm in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada has welcomed over 700 visitors or “WWOOFers”. When asked to describe the experience, their answer was simple: “The world comes to you.”

By opening their doors through WWOOF, this family has allowed their children to experience a rich variety of cultures and individuals without ever leaving home. They have built lifelong global and local friendships while receiving deeply appreciated, hands-on support for their farm.

If you have a farm, homestead, or garden and use organic, sustainable practices, you can experience this same rewarding exchange. Here is everything you need to know about becoming a WWOOF host, what to expect, and how to create a thriving environment for visitors or “WWOOFers”.

What does it mean to be a WWOOF Host?

Hosting with WWOOF (Worldwide Opportunities on Organic Farms) is a mutual exchange. WWOOFers participate in day-to-day farm tasks, lending a helping hand on your farm or homestead. In return, you get the opportunity to teach the next generation about bio-dynamic growing and organic practices, while often learning new techniques that visitors bring from their own travels and backgrounds.

What You Can Expect

As an approved host, you can expect:

• To share your knowledge of organic growing and sustainable living with motivated learners.
• To receive help with agricultural activities
• The autonomy to choose which visitors you accept; WWOOFers can request a visit or you can reach out to them yourself.
• To connect with folks from around the world (or locally!), in your own backyard.

Your annual membership also provides a personalized profile to showcase your farm, access to an online messaging tool to organize visits, and the ability to read and write reviews for WWOOFers. By joining WWOOF, you’re joining a global network of ecological farming communities!

Photo by Cloé Harent

Key Principles and Requirements

To maintain the integrity of the WWOOF program, all hosts must adhere to universally accepted standards.

Farming Practices & Activities

• Agricultural Focus: The majority of a WWOOFer’s time must be spent on farming-related activities. Eco-construction should be secondary (e.g., building a chicken coop, not a tourist cabin).
• Organic Methods: Hosts must use ecologically sound techniques, though formal organic certification is not required.
• Educational Engagement: Provide enough activity for approximately five half-days per week. You must be available to carry out tasks alongside WWOOFers and actively teach the skills highlighted in your profile.
• No Employee Replacement: WWOOFers are visitors or guests lending a helping hand, not profitable labor. They receive no monetary pay and must never replace an employee or fulfill commercial roles (e.g., cleaning BnB rooms, commercial food prep).

Meals and Accommodation

• Food: Provide adequate, nutritionally balanced ingredients for three meals daily, including on rest days. Aim to share at least one meal a day with your WWOOFer. If meals aren’t shared, provide a kitchen space and sufficient groceries (you should not give WWOOFers money to shop).
• Lodging: Provide safe, clean, dry, and secure accommodations with sufficient privacy. Clearly state in your profile if spaces are shared, whether it’s a guest room, a rustic barn loft, or a tent. Having a photo of this space for further assurance and transparency is strongly encouraged.

What Makes a Great Host?

Experienced WWOOFers frequently highlight that the best hosts are intentional about creating a cultural exchange rather than seeking free labor. Here is how to stand out and ensure a positive experience for both parties:

• Be Intentional: Treat the visit as an equal exchange. WWOOFers travel to learn about organic farming, but also to experience how people live in a sustainable way.
• Set Clear Expectations: Create a written or verbal agreement before arrival. Outline the schedule, specific tasks, days off, and meal arrangements. This ensures both parties understand the boundaries and prevents burnout.
• Share Daily Life: Eat meals together, work alongside your WWOOFers, and engage in meaningful conversations. Offer days off to explore the local area, or take time to teach a unique craft or local recipe.
• Vet Before Booking: Schedule a quick video call (Skype, Zoom, or FaceTime) before confirming a stay. This builds trust, ensures a good personality fit, and shows that you value their safety and experience. Plus, you want to make sure the WWOOFer has a genuine interest in your farm and will be a good fit. You are under no obligation to say yes to all visit requests and discernment is encouraged!
• Leave Reviews: Actively leaving reviews for your WWOOFers – and encouraging them to do the same for you – builds your reputation and attracts more visitors in the future.

Photos by Cloé Harent

How to Apply and Become a Host

Ready to open your home and share your sustainable lifestyle? Joining the network is straightforward:

1. Join Your National Organization: WWOOF is organized by country. Visit your local WWOOF website and select “Sign-up” (in orange, top right corner of the screen!)
2. Create Your Profile: After becoming a host and paying the one-time annual fee, you will be asked to detail your farm, current and future projects, available accommodations, preferred lengths of stay, and living arrangements (e.g., isolated farm, family setting, meal preferences).
3. Upload Photos: Provide at least three clear photos, including one of your farming projects and one of the WWOOFer sleeping arrangements. Do not include direct contact details in your public description. 
4. Review Process: WWOOF staff will review your application within five business days and follow up with any final steps for approval.

If approved, your profile will be published, and you can begin connecting with WWOOFers immediately. If your application does not meet the hosting criteria, your membership fee will be refunded.

Reach out to your national WWOOF coordinator today to start the process and let the world come to you!

Have more questions? 

Join us for a live webinar all about hosting. 

WWOOF staff host monthly (live and free) webinars to cover all the basics.

Check out our events calendar on ‘Get Involved‘ to RSVP! 

Additionally, please explore the WWOOF FAQ