This just in from WWOOF-USA and Stone Barns Center resourceED program. Act fast: Deadline is 7/24!
Based on a recent survey of 500 farmers across the country and information we’ve received from WWOOF host farmers, 48% of farmers reported that they’ll have fewer workers this season due to the effects of COVID-19.
As a result, WWOOF-USA and Stone Barns Center’s resourcED program are partnering to initiate Harvest Corps: A program that links unemployed hospitality professionals and college students with farms across the U.S. whose sales have been negatively impacted by COVID-19.
We welcome any organic farmer who is looking for extra helping hands this harvest season to apply as a Harvest Corps host.
The program will run from mid-August to mid-October. The minimum length of participation for hospitality professionals will be 1 month, while other participants will be encouraged to remain at their host site for the duration of the program.
Scholarships will be available to unemployed hospitality professionals to cover costs and college students may have the opportunity to apply for credit upon completion of the program.
In addition to the standard WWOOF exchange of half day of farm work, Harvest Corps participants will be actively engaged in remote Community Supported Learning created and presented by Stone Barns Center’s resourcED team leaders. Meant to enrich their experience on the farm and provide a deeper connection to how their work fits into the greater food system, participants will endeavor to create a shared knowledge base and, ultimately, shared language around regenerative gastronomy and agriculture.
If you’re interested in participating as a Harvest Corps host farm, we invite you to complete the short application form.
