The almond trees are blooming and the sun is out, which makes many of us start thinking about being outdoors and making summer plans.
Whether you’re an Israeli looking to explore different areas of the country or a visitor looking for a unique way to make a positive change in Israel, the Israeli branch of World-Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms (WWOOF) offers a wide range of organic farming opportunities.
WWOOF was established in 1971 in the UK with the purpose of facilitating the interaction between organic farmers and interested volunteers, and has since expanded to over 35 countries.
The idea is simple – farms interested in receiving help from volunteers post their information through the WWOOF website and in exchange for their time and work, volunteers receive meals, accommodation, and a greater understanding of where their food comes from.
The range of opportunities in this small country is vast. You could learn how to make organic goat cheese in the Negev, use bio dynamic organic orchard techniques developed 2,000 years ago by the Nabateans, pick organic olives, work on an organic date orchard near Eilat, take a permaculture course, grow organic medicinal herbs, or live on a reconstructed ancient farm in northern Israel.
::See also Guesthousing it in Israel: Get Your Eco-Farm On.
I am not an “Israeli looking to explore different areas of the country” nor am I “a visitor looking for a unique way to make a positive change in Israel”, but last week I had to travel from my home in Herzlia to an appointment in Jerusalem. I went by bus and, after having lost myself in a newspaper, I looked out of the bus window. We were approaching the city and I was surprised and entranced by the lovely blossoming almond trees that we passed. I thought of how, to us, the blooming of the Almond trees is somehow like the blooming of the Cherry trees to the Japanese… a beautiful marker of the passage of the seasons.
Dry Bones
Israel’s Political Comic Strip since 1973
[...] no more satisfying way of enjoying what you eat than growing it yourself, but if you simply don’t have the time or know-how than the next best thing is to get to know the [...]
Please take time to read this note and please respond. i am from the island of Barbados in the Caribbean and my family has a little over five acres of agri-land to put anything on. i have read of the extensive and advanced agriculture techniques used in Isreal. i am trying to solicit some help. The soil in Barbados is about six to eight feet deep and then its coral and sand, i am trying to find the best crop or crops to plant that would thrive. the temperature is about 86 -89 constant with an atlantic ocean breeze blowing. Also my family is ready and willing to sponsor and house anyone/a family who would be willing to live in Barbados for a year or two to assist us. we will supply room and board and transportation. (we drive on the left) there is a jewish synagog on the island and the island in 95% christian. I think there is an enormous opportunity to make an impact on our agriculture. the Country has always been democratic in association with Britan so you do not have to worry about safety. Please e-mail me some thoughts.
Respectfully,
Cecil V.Sealy/800/472/6301
Hi Cecil,
I’m interested in talking about a year-long commitment. I will be traveling to Barbados 9/10 - 9/17 for holiday, but was thinking of returning in early October. I will be attending a correspondence school online so I need some internet access.
I would also like to make a little spending money on the side, but I cannot find much info on that with regards to U.S. citizens.
If you’d like you can contact me directly — joshua881 at cox (dot) net