A day on the farm

ECHO will host seminars about growing plants in Southwest Florida. COURTESY PHOTOS

A farm in North Fort Myers may look like a typical piece of land in the country, but workers there are learning how to feed the world. Now, ECHO is inviting people in Southwest Florida to come get their hands in the dirt for the annual Global Food and Farm Festival happening March 16-22.

“ECHO has been around more than 40 years, and this festival has been happening for over 30 years. We always add fun things and this year we have a day on the farm and then four days of workshops. The workshops are in-depth and followed with farm-fresh lunch served afterwards with what we produce here. We share knowledge to homeowners, people with land, families and communities. We cover anything from outdoor plants, tropical plants to container growing and what you can buy in at the store,” said Danielle Flood, ECHO’s assistant director of advancement.

The annual Global Food and Farm Festival kicks off with tours of rainforest plants, food trucks and family activities. You’ll also find crafts, balloon animals and international food tasting.

Visitors will be able to purchase food and plants at the farm.

ECHO says the programs shows how to create meals with plants that can be grown here in Southwest Florida.

“We have diverse and international plants here that have adapted to the Florida weather. Like the rainforest, they are accustomed to hot climates but need shade underneath and we grow them here and show the challenges they face and how to overcome them,” said Flood.

Throughout the workshops local nutritionists will hold cooking classes. One class includes a demonstration of pink kraut made with fermented cabbage.

“We have leaves and vegetables that are very nutritional, and we show how to grind them, even in a coffee grinder, so you can add them into drinks like smoothies,” said Flood.

Other events taking place include wool spinning, grinding, trying different styles of peanut butters and learning about mushrooms.

The Bunches of Bananas tour goes into detail about growing local bananas. After the tour, people can try to grow their own fruit. They can take home their own small offshoot called a banana pup.

ECHO’s Global Food and Farm Festival will feature a workshop on wool spinning.

From bananas to sugar, ECHO offers a variety of information about plants and animals.

“We have a press that allows you to crush your own sugarcane. We will also have a beekeeper here with sharing the importance of them and how to maintain hives properly,” said Flood. Suit up with expert Steve Eisele, during his hands-on walking tour of ECHO’s beehives for $15 per guest.

“We keep our prices low and get about a thousand people or more each year. A lot of them are returning guests that come by and see what we have added to the agenda. We love seeing the community and families come in, and learn together about gardening and farming,” said Flood. “It is an experience for all ages, and we have a kid-friendly event with goats. Plus, kids can touch, learn and taste things, something you can’t get in a regular classroom.”

ECHO brings training and resources to assist with farming and food security throughout North America and to regions around the world, including Thailand, Tanzania and Burkina Faso.

Workers teach people worldwide how grow and maintain crops and livestock to supply their families, as well as a means of income for the community.

“What we teach is based on the international help we do,” said Flood. “I am like a cheerleader for ECHO Farms and what it does.”

ECHO has served more than 190 countries. The organization sends out hundreds of varieties of seeds to missionaries who are serving at the front lines of combating world hunger.

“Our Food and Farm Festival is a great way to connect agriculture, culinary arts and sustainable living,” said ECHO CEO Dr. Abram Bicksler. “Through this event, we aim to create a platform where individuals can engage, learn and be inspired to make choices that contribute to a healthier planet. We believe that by coming together, we can help create a more sustainable future.”

Additional workshops include:

• Bamboo, Gardener’s Best Friend

• Edible Landscape Designs

• Tropical Fruit Walks

• Seed Saving

• Hands-on Grafting

• Moringa Cultivation and Uses

• Plant Propagation Techniques

For a list of all activities and to attend a workshop with the Annual Global Food and Farming Festival, see echonet.org/events/global-food-and-farm-festival. ¦

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