Help us at our Sustainable Organic Farming & Living

Brazil

5

Amazing experience. Totally recommended. Everything was perfect.

almost 8 years ago

United States

5

I had an amazing time at the farm! Karin and Anders are wonderful hosts. I learn a lot about farming, CSA, and cooking. When you are there you feel at home and the people you are with feel like family. I am so happy I got to spend time there. We worked around 6 hours a day, the work is enjoyable and it never really felt like I was working. Getting to eat vegetables that we harvested was a serious treat. I truly can't recommend it enough!

almost 8 years ago

United States

5

The farm was a haven and detox of body, mind and spirit. I was opened to new ideas, experiences and amazing fellow volunteers. I learned to cook meals using the fruits and vegetables produced on the farm; to grow, maintain and harvest a diverse variety of vegetables; and now feel confident enough to have my own organic garden. I learned about CSA and had the opportunity to deepen my understanding of sustainability through countless enriching discussions. I recommend this experience to world citizens who are eager to expand their understanding of sustainability, to learn and to give.

almost 8 years ago

Brazil

5

They taught me how to cook vegetarian and vegan food, to sow, to plant, to take care of the plants, to water in the right way and they were always lovely and kind to me. Since my first day here they made me feel at home! I think volunteering is working for something you believe, and if you believe in sustainability, it's the right place learn more than theory, learn how you can do sustainability it in your routine! Anders and Karin really believe in what they do and they made me feel motivated to be the change that I want to see in the world, they gave me hope that we can be better

about 8 years ago

United States

3

I spent fifty days here during the fall harvest: This was a very challenging experience. You will be exposed to redundant and strenuous farming activities, and at times, in unforgiving weather conditions. You will be expected to perform at peak intervals every workday as there are no paid workers on this farm. Much of the learning that occurs here is self-driven (i.e., watching videos provided by the hosts). Understand this: If you are expecting lavish amounts of free time, ensure the host understands your intent. This farm sets lofty expectations and will push you out of your comfort zone.

over 7 years ago

Anders replied

This young man spent 12 years in the US Marines and somehow carried the experience with him. He organized the other helpers and had them doing push-ups. He could not find a common ground with us even though we invited the group in to watch videos or make pizza together with us . He could only relate to his fellow helpers.

His first month here the weather was gorgeous and he was helpful and polite. He told me he was much healthier and got his 6 pack back.

Then the weather changed There were hurricanes in his native Texas and rain storms here in Europe and it was harder to harvest.

He got tired but did not ask for time off (we have a monthly schedule where you write what days you want free). Then when another ex military man joined us they started a life of staying up late and drinking.

Frankly he stayed too long and his behavior became strange. After he left we discovered that he had painted sentences on the walls of his room.

Now it is a year after he was here and I have more understanding about who to invite as we want the atmosphere to be comfortable here. Nevertheless I believe it was a good learning experince for all of us and do not regret inviting him.

United States

1

My fellow volunteers there were the only saving grace in otherwise slave driving conditions. My experience was awful. The work hours advertised when I signed up and got here said, "24 hrs per week, 2 days off". Reality was 50+ hours 1 day off. When I talked to Anders about it he immediately said, "you're welcome to leave". No negotiation, no regard for the feelings of the other volunteers. If you're considering this place please feel free to message me with any questions. I documented a lot and have proof of conditions and feelings of fellow workers in case they try to discredit this review.

over 7 years ago

Anders replied

Jay is absolutely right about the hours as he applied several months earlier than he came. We changed the hours advertised because the weather this year made us hurry to get in the harvest and the days were longer. We publish our Daily Schedule so anyone can figure it out. We also give people 2 days off a week if they want them.
It is true that he bonded with his fellow volonteers but they told us he talked about leaving already the evening before the day he refused to do the work offered. We always listen to people but he never came to us but complained to the others instead.
That creates a bad atmosphere.
He did work and we were grateful but would have preferred that he told us how he felt.
If you look at the other reviews you will see that we usually have shorter hours and do now as well because the frost has come so we cannot harvest. Also you can see what other people got out of being here during the harvest.
I appreciate this Review as it will attract the right people to the farm. I think Corey got it right (see Review below) .

United States

4

I had a great experience at Ramsjö Gard although it wasn't what I was expecting. I planned to stay with Karin and Anders for 3 weeks but ended up staying 4. Being near the end of the harvesting season we were working full days, 6 days a week which put the focus of my stay on learning about vegetarian and vegan lifestyles, cooking with locally sourced foods, sustainability, conservation, self-reliance, and forming strong bonds with my fellow volunteers. I would suggest this farm to someone that is interested in organic farming, learning about holistic living, and meeting great people.

over 7 years ago

Anders replied

This review gives a realistic piicture of how life can be on the farm in October and November. There is a lot to do and time is short as the sun goes down early (like the opposite of our midnight sun).
At the same time there is an abundance of organic vegetables to learn how to prepare and you can really learn to live in a way that is better for the invidivual and the planet.

Portugal

4

I had a great experience even though the work was hard for me it was also an opportunity of self development regarding my will power. I deffinitely recommend this place however keep in mind that it is real farm work and not everyone is cut out for that. Karin and Anders are incredible people with great knowledge to share and very understanding and reasonable with some of the limitations that I found in my self through the experience. It was great and I came out of there as a better person!

almost 8 years ago

Anders replied

I really appreciate this review because of the realistic message it gives to applicants. Farm work varies a lot because the weather changes all the time especially in the autumn when we harvest. One day you can be harvesting in cool weather and beautiful sunshine and then it can rain and the next day you have mud and a grey day.
We do everything we can to make helpers comfortable and they contribute flexibility, consistancy and willingness to help and share. For the right person it is a healthy enviornment where you can learn a lot while enjoying the nature.

Italy

4

It is a really great farm capable of producing everything they Need organically! The hours of job are not many and there's a beatiful lake nearby where take a dive. Raccomended to all who want to stay in the nature and learn about organic farming and Sweden:)

almost 8 years ago

Spain

4

Estuve un mes junto con Anders, la verdad es que la experiencia es preciosa. Tienes que tener suerte de coincidir con varias personas y formar un grupo chulo de trabajo, ya que será con los otros voluntarios con los que trabajarás. Tienes mucho tiempo libre y eso te permite perderte paseando por los alrededores. Lo único que le advertiría a alguien es respecto a la comida, es una dieta vegetariana, pero no hay mucha variedad, comerás lo mismo muchos días. Una experiencia que recomiendo a quien le apetezca encontrar paz.

over 1 year ago

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