2024 Impact Report
At WWOOF-USA (Worldwide Opportunities on Organic Farms, USA), we’ve always believed in the power of simple, hands-on connections—formed when people from different backgrounds come together to share knowledge, culture, and stories.
This Impact Report, covering 2022 to 2024, distills the voices and experiences of WWOOFers and hosts across the United States. Inside, you’ll find stories of personal growth, deeper ties to the land, new understanding of organic farming, and lives enriched through cultural exchange.
These outcomes show that WWOOF is not just about farming—it’s about nurturing relationships that bridge geography, generations, and perspectives.
As we celebrate these achievements and look ahead, we do so with deep gratitude for the vibrant community that makes it all possible. Thank you for your continued commitment to WWOOF.
Introduction
WWOOF has long been a catalyst for meaningful connections, bringing together farmers and WWOOFers in a shared journey of learning, growth, and exchange.
Through hands-on experiences in fields, gardens, and homesteads, participants gain knowledge of organic agriculture, deepen their understanding of sustainability and food systems, and discover the power of community.
These experiences go beyond farming — they cultivate resilience, connection, and a shared commitment to a more sustainable future.
This Impact Report celebrates the learning, transformation, and community that WWOOF fosters across the United States. Through stories and feedback from WWOOFers and hosts, we highlight the profound impact of hands-on farming education and the vibrant communities it nurtures.
By amplifying these experiences, we aim to inspire the next generation of farmers and changemakers, strengthening WWOOF’s role in building a more sustainable and connected future.
Learning & Life Changes Since 2022
Since its launch in 2021, the Future Farmer Program has empowered the next generation of farmers across the USA, providing hands-on training, expert mentorship, a dynamic online learning platform, and crucial financial support.
Though Tiara grew up in the city, she always felt drawn to her agricultural roots. Her great-grandparents’ simple, hardworking life inspired her to start gardening and seek a farming community—leading her to WWOOF.
“WWOOF connected me with people who share a deep respect for the earth and the dedication it takes to farm,” she says. “It’s more than a profession—it’s a way of life.”
Through the Future Farmer Program, Tiara gained hands-on experience, left her corporate job, and committed to farming full-time, determined to own land despite barriers Black farmers face.
She continued WWOOFing in Hawaii, expanding her skills and vision.
“WWOOF has shaped my goals and strengthened my commitment to sustainable, organic farming. This journey has turned my passion into purpose."
“WWOOF connected me with people who share a deep respect for the earth and the dedication it takes to farm ...It’s more than a profession—it’s a way of life.”
- Tiara Lloyd-
About the Farms
84% said mentoring and teaching was a key motivator
70% said helping others connect with nature
69% said inspiring better stewardship of the planet
"This year, I decided to go for it, and it has been such a life-changing experience in the best way!
Hosting has recharged my passion for teaching and farming as well as tightened up my systems. I look forward to continuing to meet and learn with people."
- Jocelyn, Host in Washington
48% have hosted between 1 and 10 WWOOFers
12% have hosted more than 100 WWOOFers!
Zephyr Embers’ WWOOF journey began with a simple goal: to connect with the land and build community. On his family’s Alabama farm, he and his mother transformed empty fields into a thriving space.
“When we moved from Chicago, it was just me and her developing the land,” Zephyr shared. WWOOF became part of their story when his mother suggested hosting volunteers. Their first guests—a French family—left a lasting impact.
“It was surreal. One day, you’re messaging, and the next, they’re in your living room,” Zephyr recalled. Together, they farmed, explored local culture, and shared meals.
Since 2020, nearly a dozen WWOOFers have helped grow their sustainable garden. “A lot of young people come here searching for a different way to live,” Zephyr said. “They leave knowing they can do it—there’s not just one way to live.”
Visiting a former WWOOFer in Hawaii deepened his passion for global connection. “It was beautiful. We got to see all the diverse things that grow in Hawaii, from papayas and mangoes to coffee,” he said.
Now, through WWOOF’s Future Farmer Program, Zephyr is taking the next step in his farming journey.
“It’s more than just farming,” he concluded. “It’s about personal journeys, helping people reconnect with nature, and finding new ways to live.”
"WWOOFing changed my entire life. It opened my eyes up to a world of possibilities and experiences and people with stories to listen to."
- Amanda, WWOOFer
Most people go WWOOFing during a break from life, such as a gap year or sabbatical.
Most WWOOFers visit 1-3 farms and go WWOOFing for one month or more.
1. To connect with nature
2. Personal growth & discovery
3. Travel
4. Learn about sustainability & food independence
“I wanted to step away from routine and be part of something bigger,” Tecla Ris shared. WWOOFing became her path to hands-on learning, personal growth, and self-discovery.
Her first farm experience was transformative. “Working side by side with people from all walks of life builds friendships that span continents,” she said. A highlight was gathering around the dinner table on a family-run farm in the Netherlands. “Those meals felt like celebrations of everything we accomplished together,” she remembered.
Through tough tasks and early mornings, Tecla grew more confident. “Even the hard days gave me a sense of purpose I hadn’t felt before,” she reflected.
WWOOFing reshaped her worldview. “It’s about more than farming—it’s about connecting with people, learning from each other, and gaining a deeper appreciation of the natural world,” she said. “WWOOFing reminds you that every small effort matters—and together, we can create something remarkable.”
“It’s about more than farming—it’s about connecting with people, learning from each other, and gaining a deeper appreciation of the natural world.”
- Tecla Ris -
“It’s a constant exchange. They’re learning from me, but I’m learning just as much from them.”
- Dave Wann -
Dave Wann’s WWOOF journey began as a father-son adventure. “My son and I went to New Zealand around 2007 and WWOOFed on a farm near Auckland,” he recalls. With years of experience, Dave embraced the role of mentor. “I’d gardened for 15 or 20 years, so I sort of stepped into the role of, ‘well, I’m kind of your colleague here.’”
Back home in Colorado, he helped found a cohousing neighborhood and began hosting WWOOFers. “It’s not just about farming. It’s about creating opportunities for people to explore, learn, and connect,” he says. The learning was mutual. “They’re learning from me, but I’m learning just as much from them.”
Today, his thriving garden symbolizes resilience and community. “Gardening isn’t just about growing food,” he concludes. “It’s about growing connections, community, and a better future.”
Root Yourself in Hope
The future we dream of — one rooted in sustainability, community, and care for the Earth — is built by those who show up. If you’re feeling inspired, there’s a place for you in the WWOOF-USA community.
Ready to get your hands in the soil, learn new skills, and be part of something meaningful?
WWOOFing is your gateway to organic farms, connection, and unforgettable experiences across the U.S.
Have a farm, garden or homestead and want to share your knowledge?
Join a network of over 1,200 hosts helping to grow the next generation of farmers & sustainable food advocates.
Transformative experiences take root when people connect with the land, food, and each other.
Through hands-on learning and shared experiences, WWOOF is building a global community dedicated to sustainability, cultural exchange, and regenerative agriculture.
Your support funds the Future Farmer Program & farmer training - empowering those who feed their communities and create a healthier planet.
Thank you for being part of this story. 🌿 Download the Impact Report here and share it with others.
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