It would be very difficult to operate our small-scale vinegar brewery without volunteers. We connect to young volunteers through “WWOOF” (World Wide Opportunities for Organic Farming). This is a wonderful organization that links mostly young people with organic farmers. We also belong to another valuable organization called “HelpX” that links eager volunteers with farmers.
This connection between young potential farmers and experienced growers is the future of farming in America. The average farmer in the US is now over 60 years of age! We need these young people. We need to encourage young people to explore the joys and challenges of farming as much as possible!
My experience working with young volunteers from HelpX and WWOOF has been terrific! We offer a valuable hands-on learning experience for them and receive much-needed help in return. This is the modern equivalent of an ancient “Mentoring” tradition that stretches back for centuries. We look forward to hosting many more potential young farmers at Rockbridge Cider Vinegar. If you know of anyone who would like to learn about orchards or apple cider vinegar brewing - send them our way!