ECHO Global Network

ECHO Global Network 🌎 Global Demonstration Farm and Seed Bank
🌱 Experience a Living Classroom for Change
📍 North Fort Myers, FL
(204)

ECHO is dedicated to fighting world hunger through innovative options, agricultural training and networking!

Exciting news from ECHO: our social media channels are coming together under one name, ECHO Global Network ! Instead of ...
09/02/2026

Exciting news from ECHO: our social media channels are coming together under one name, ECHO Global Network ! Instead of following separate pages for different parts of our work, you'll find everything in one place. The training, the seed bank stories, the farmer-to-farmer knowledge sharing, and the ways God is at work through this global community.

This page will be deactivated on October 1st. If you want to stay connected, head over and follow ECHO Global Network now: https://www.facebook.com/ECHOGlobalNetwork

We're excited for what's ahead as we move fully forward, together!

A morning spent processing guazuma with our amazing volunteers! 🌱Guazuma (*Guazuma ulmifolia*), also known as West India...
07/08/2026

A morning spent processing guazuma with our amazing volunteers! 🌱

Guazuma (*Guazuma ulmifolia*), also known as West Indian elm, is a versatile tropical tree used at ECHO for green manure, animal forage, and improving soil health. Before its seeds can be planted or shared with network members around the world, they must first be carefully processed.

That's where our volunteers come in. John starts by cutting open the dried guazuma fruit, Paul breaks apart the pieces to make the seeds easier to access, and Jerry finishes the process by sifting out excess debris. Together, they transform a long task into a smooth process filled with teamwork, laughter, and plenty of good conversation.

The seeds they process will either be distributed through our network or used here on the farm, helping support sustainable agriculture both locally and globally.

We're grateful for volunteers like John, Paul, and Jerry who make this work possible every week. Interested in joining them? Volunteer with ECHO's Seed Bank every Tuesday! 🌿

🔗 ECHOnet.org/volunteer

🎥 And we're live!Last week, WGCU visited ECHO's Global Farm to explore the growing trend of foodscaping in Southwest Flo...
06/24/2026

🎥 And we're live!

Last week, WGCU visited ECHO's Global Farm to explore the growing trend of foodscaping in Southwest Florida. They sat down with Andy, our Small Farm Resource Manager, and Tim Watkins, former ECHO intern and founder of Ecovision, LLC, to discuss how edible landscapes can help families grow their own food, support local pollinators, conserve resources, and build more resilient communities.

From beginner-friendly plants to food-producing landscapes that thrive in Florida's climate, the conversation highlighted practical ways households can connect with their food while caring for the environment.

Stay tuned for the story—we can't wait to share it with you! 🌱

We will be temporarily closed from June 29 to July 4 as our team completes inventory and prepares for the season ahead. ...
06/22/2026

We will be temporarily closed from June 29 to July 4 as our team completes inventory and prepares for the season ahead. This time allows us to organize, restock, and better serve you.

Thank you for your patience . We look forward to welcoming you back soon. 🤍

06/18/2026

🌱 From harvesting mangoes to preparing research plots for new trials, there’s always something happening on ECHO’s Global Farm.

This morning, our interns were hard at work processing collard greens, clearing research areas, harvesting fresh fruit, and gaining hands-on experience in sustainable agriculture.

Through each task, interns develop practical skills while supporting ECHO’s mission of sharing agricultural knowledge and resources that help farming families around the world thrive.

Learning by doing is all part of the journey. 💚

06/16/2026

Every season offers a reminder of God’s handiwork.

As we prepare the soil for planting, we’re reminded that creation is filled with wisdom, beauty, and purpose. From the ground beneath our feet to the harvests yet to come, the Lord invites us to slow down and enjoy the gift that is all around us.

“The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display his craftsmanship.” - Psalm 19:1

🌱 What aspects of creation help you feel most connected to God?

06/15/2026

🌎 A trip around the world—without leaving Florida!

We recently welcomed Florida Master Gardeners to ECHO's Global Farm, where they explored our climate demonstrations, discovered tropical food crops from around the world, and sampled a few fresh treats along the way. 🍈

As volunteers trained through the UF/IFAS Extension program, Master Gardeners play an important role in sharing horticultural knowledge with communities across Florida. Thank you for spending the day with us!
ifas

☀️ Adventure is calling! Explore the natural beauty of Southwest Florida with the Summer Nature Navigator Digital Pass—a...
06/12/2026

☀️ Adventure is calling!

Explore the natural beauty of Southwest Florida with the Summer Nature Navigator Digital Pass—and don't forget to make ECHO one of your stops along the way! 🌱

From tropical food crops to global seed collections, ECHO's Global Farm offers a glimpse into how agriculture is transforming lives around the world. 💚 As you explore, you'll discover plants, practices, and innovations that connect Southwest Florida to ECHO's Regional Impact Centers across Africa, Asia, and Central America—making every visit a gateway to global impact.

The pass is now LIVE and has been extended through September 8, giving families even more time to explore this summer and beyond.

📍 Start your adventure today: https://www.visitfortmyers.com/summer-nature-navigators

Tag a friend or family member you'd love to explore with! 🌎✨

06/11/2026

🌧️ A little rain didn’t stop today’s sapodilla harvest

Sapodilla is a tropical fruit prized for its sweet flavor, often described as a blend of brown sugar, pear and cinnamon. One challenge, however, is knowing exactly when it’s ready to harvest.

A simple technique called the scratch test can help. By gently scratching the fruits skin, growers can check the color underneath. If the flesh beneath is still green, the fruit needs more time. If it reveals a tan or brown color, it’s ready to be picked and allowed to ripen.

It’s one of many practical observation that farmers use to make informed decisions in the field—small details can make a big difference in harvest quality.

👇 Have you ever tried sapodilla? Let us know in the comments!

📣 Save the Date: November 10-12The ECHO International Agriculture Conference returns for its 33rd year! Each year, this ...
06/10/2026

📣 Save the Date: November 10-12

The ECHO International Agriculture Conference returns for its 33rd year!

Each year, this gathering brings together a global community of agricultural practitioners, educators, researchers, development workers, and ministry leaders to share knowledge, exchange ideas, and explore practical options for strengthening food systems and livelihoods around the world.

Through workshops, field demonstrations, and conversations with peers, participants gain new insights and build meaningful connections, leaving inspired by what God is doing through agriculture and collaboration.

Join us November 10-12 as we learn from one another and explore how faith and agriculture can cultivate lasting impact.

📍 Fort Myers, FL, USA
📆 November 10-12

🔗 Registration details coming soon!

Address

17391 Durrance Road
North Fort Myers, FL
33917

Opening Hours

Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm
Saturday 9am - 4pm

Telephone

(239) 543-3246

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