There are currently 321 organic farms in Italy providing accommodations for WWOOFers.
Farmhouse tourism has steadily increased along with the pace of green technology and organic sustainability efforts throughout the world over the past 30 years. This type of tourism has many dimensions, from personal participation in farmhouse agricultural activities to simple accommodations. Farmhouse tourism in Italy offers cultural immersion opportunities that help to generate the funds necessary for the continuance of organic farming and ecotourism.
World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms (WWOOF)
Thirty years after this organization sprung to life in the United Kingdom in 1971, Italy joined, eventually adding 321 organic farms to a list of thousands throughout the world that offer opportunities in organic and biodynamic sustainability. The program works through volunteers, called "WWOOFers," who provide help to working farms in exchange for accommodation and food. Typical volunteer work through WWOOF Italy often includes fruit picking and assisting in olive oil and cheese production, though work varies from farm to farm.
WWOOF Travel and Insurance
WWOOFers are responsible for their own passports and visas and are not required to have a work visa to participate. Italian railways and bus services provide the most economical form of transportation; first- and second-class passes can be purchased through Eurail that offer various itineraries and discounts for parties of two to five people. WWOOF farms are insured by the organization and an annual membership fee of 25 euros is required, which pays for "accident, illness, health care, and third party civil liabilities" at every registered farmstead.
Agrotourism Farm Holidays
Fruit picking is a common activity for agrotourists in Italy.
Agriitalia is an organization offering information to tourists who wish to immerse themselves in the local cultures and traditions of Italy. Unlike the WWOOF organization, which places farm life at the center of the vacation, the farms listed in Agriitalia offer agricultural activities and amenities that encourage cultural exploration such as horseback riding, skiing, bicycle riding, hiking, cooking and craft making. Holiday farms are located within 20 Italian regions and are typically "rural farm buildings restored and adapted for the purpose of agrotourism." The cost for staying on an Italian agricultural farm averages from 25 to well over 100 euros a night. Almost all of the farms allow pets and activities are planned to fit the desires of the tourists.
Farmhouse Rental
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the European Union deems ecotourism the "most effective means to finance biodiversity conservation." Renting an Italian farmhouse may be the perfect option for those seeking independent living and cultural submersion with agricultural opportunities as a possibility. Italian farmhouse rentals may include working farms or nonworking farms and most of the organizations that offer rentals do so in a particular regional area. Usually farmhouses can accommodate up to ten people according to Italy Farmhouses Rental, a popular rental choice for tourists. All farmhouses provide variations of the comforts of home, including appliances, fireplaces, fax and telephone services and amenities such as swimming pools and satellite television. Pets are usually not allowed in farmhouses, which cost on average from 550 euro up into the thousands for a week's stay.
Italian Ecotourism
Ecotourism branches away from agrotourism by including volunteer opportunities for cultural and wildlife restoration in rural areas. Many organizations offer ecotourism volunteer projects annually, some of which have included activities such as restoration of traditional dry-stone walls and a set of historical foot trails. The association Matilde Pianciani gathers tourists together in October and November for the annual Olive Harvest near Umbria, while annual landscape and restoration efforts surrounding the National History Museum in Alpago, Italy have helped to generate awareness of conservation issues in local villages. Most of these programs offer local farmhouse accommodations.
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