During the past few months, I have acquired a newfound interest in gardening, growing my own produce and learning about farmers' daily lives. Perhaps my curiosity is a reflection of my dismay at the rancid pork roast that I purchased last week, or perhaps it is simply a heightened curiosity as to where the thick-sliced bacon at the farmer's market comes from. Whatever the reason, I think that becoming more cognizant of how our food reaches our dinner tables is advantageous for young adults beginning to cook for themselves.
I am sure you are all aware of the growing popularity of organic and natural food products. The releases of books such as "Fast Food Nation" and "The Omnivore's Dilemma" and movies such as "Super Size Me" and "Food, Inc." have, to some degree, increased Americans' level of consciousness of what they eat. According to the 2007 Organic Trade Association Manufacturer Survey, the "U.S. sales of organic food and beverages have grown from $1 billion in 1990 to an estimated $20 billion in 2007."
The National Organic Standards Board defines organic farming as "an ecological production management system that promotes and enhances biodiversity, biological cycles and soil biological activity" that is "based on minimal use of off-farm inputs and on management practices that restore, maintain, and enhance ecological harmony." And, it is important to note that organic products are distinct from natural ones, with the definition of "natural" being much more ambiguous. One large identifier of natural foods is that they are not held to the same government controls as organic products are (except in the production of meat and poultry, which are held to certain standards). Evidently, there is a lot to understand about these types of foods.
So with this interest in organic products in mind, I thought it might be interesting to see how I could get involved in farm production myself. After talking to a friend whose family owns and operates a farm, I found out about a program called World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms. WWOOF is a database of organic farms, gardeners and small-plot holders across the world. The farms listed welcome volunteers who want to learn about what it takes to be a farmer and live like one through hands-on experiences. Ultimately, it is an exchange: you come and volunteer your time and energy, and the host family provides you with food, accommodations and a setting to learn about organic farming.
One of the great things about WWOOF is that if you have an interest in a very specific area of farming, it can accommodate you to a farm that is right for you. If you are interested in mycology, then the place for you is the Mushroomery in Oregon. If you are interested in working with Angora goats, sheep and rabbits, then there is the Little Rascals Farm in Washington. Even if you don't have a particular interest in one thing and just want to dabble in a little bit of everything, there are a multitude of options. There are locations where you can learn about beekeeping, milking cows, homesteading activities such as making soap, composting, tending chicken coops, caring for vegetable gardens, canning and much more.
Another wonderful aspect of the organization is that you can go nearly anywhere that your heart desires. WWOOF lists locations in North & Central America, South America, Europe-Middle East, Africa and Asia-Pacific. You can go to Australia, Montana, French Polynesia or stay right here in Virginia if you like. And if you have a time constraint, don't abandon hope! There are farms on the database that want volunteers who can stay for just two days, and there are farms that want people who can stay for periods of six months or more. With a little bit of perusal, you will undoubtedly find a location that can accommodate you for your desired length of stay.
So if you aren't interested in interning the entire summer or even if you have a little time off from a summer job, WWOOFing may be a good option. It's free and educational. It is certainly not beach week, but it is work through which you could potentially have a lot of fun. Get your hands dirty and learn a little bit about what it's like to be on the other side of the booth at the farmer's market
Sarah's column runs biweekly Fridays. She can be reached at s.matalone@cavalierdaily.com.