Hi everyone
         just got a request from England if we have any WWOOF farms here in Southern California , I check the web and found this site  http://wwoofusa.com/  WWOOF stands for "Willing Workers on Organic Farms" here is some info from the webpage to get a little background on WWOOF.
                                                wes

 


Welcome to the WWOOF program. WWOOF is a coordinating service, bringing
                   together travellers who are seeking to explore new cultures and gain experience in
                   organic growing and other rural activities, with host farms/families. WWOOF
                   organizations exist around the world, beginning in Britain almost 30 years ago and
                   now thriving in Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Italy, Germany, Austria and many
                   other countries. We have been providing this service in Canada for over 12 years
                   and are delighted to extend this program into the United States.

                   WWOOFing is a unique cultural exchange in
                   that travellers of all ages can visit
                   communities throughout the U.S. and
                   experience, for a short while, real life on a
                   farm or a rural business. WWOOFers gain
                   from the opportunities to learn about rural
                   life, organic and other sustainable growing
                   techniques as well as being in a family
                   situation. Our hosts express delight and
                   appreciation for the help they receive and the
                   pleasure of sharing their passion for organic growing with enthusiastic visitors.

                             What you need to know if you want to be a WWOOFer.

                   How do I become a WWOOFer?

                   Complete the application form on this web site and mail it to the address provided,
                   enclosing $30.00U.S. When we receive your application we will immediately mail
                   the booklet to you.

                   How long can I expect to stay with a WWOOF host?

                   When you receive your WWOOF booklet look through it to find hosts that are
                   appealing to you and in the areas you are interested in visiting. When you have
                   decided the approximate dates of your travel, contact the host(s) directly and
                   discuss your plans. How long you stay with a host is up to you, and of course up to
                   the host. With most WWOOF hosts you are welcome to stay 1 week or longer.
                   Some hosts request a minimum of 2 weeks so that you can orientate yourself to the
                   farm scene; many volunteers stay 1-3 weeks then move on to another farm - thus
                   gaining a variety of experiences.

                   What experience do I need?

                   You don't need any farm experience at all. What you do need is a willingness to
                   learn, laugh and try your best. The hosts will guide and teach you.

                   Do I need a visa to be a WWOOFER?

                   If you are an American citizen of course you do not need to be concerned about a
                   visa. As a tourist, travelling from another country, you also can enter the United
                   States usually without a visa. Internationally "WWOOFing"is recognized as a
                   "volunteer activity". U.S. Immigration laws on the issue of "volunteering" vs.
                   "working" are somewhat unclear - you certainly cannot work in the U.S. without the
                   appropriate visa, but the definition of "work" seems to sometimes include
                   "volunteering". Occasionally people have been refused entry to the U.S. because
                   the Immigration Officials have interpreted "volunteering" as equivalent to "working".
                   It is important that you be aware of this. It is up to you to ensure you travel with the
                   correct papers. We are not responsible for any aspect of securing a visa.

                                               WWOOF Aims

                        to get firsthand experience of organic farming & gardening and to lend a
                        helping hand wherever needed

                        to get into the countryside and experience USA and its citizens.

                        to help the organic movement, which is often labour intensive and does not
                        rely on artificial fertilizers & pesticides.

                        to make contact with other people in the organic movement.

                        to have a wonderful enriching experience.

                        to enable people from all over the world to have a cultural exchange with US
                        citizens

                                           Best Time To WWOOF

                   The best time to WWOOF is generally between early spring ( April on the eastern
                   side of the USA; February/March/April on the West Coast) to late autumn/fall. There
                   are numerous hosts that accept volunteers all year round. This is often indicated in
                   the hosts write-up. However even if it is not indicated, feel free to ask any host if
                   they accept WWOOFers in the winter, if you desire to wwoof in the winter.