ECHO's Farm Day Coming to Fort Myers, FL: Agricultural Solutions to Feeding World's Poor

ECHO, the Educational Concerns for Hunger Organization, holds their 20th annual Farm Day on Saturday, March 19, 2011 from 9 A.M. to 3 P.M. Come join ECHO to "taste, experience and explore" the grounds of this Global Farm in North Fort Myers, Florida. Admission is $5.00 in advance or $7.00 at the door for adults, while children under 10 attend free.

How do I get there?

If you are interested in attending Farm Day at ECHO, take I-75 to exit 143. Exit, then go 1 mile east on Bayshore Road. Turn left on Durrance Road at the ECHO sign. Proceed to the second left for parking. The ECHO farm is located at 17391 Durrance Road, North Fort Myers, FL 33917.

What is ECHO all about?

ECHO's International Headquarters is located on a campus/farm in North Fort Myers, Florida consisting of the Global Farm and Research Center, a reference library, a seed bank with over 350 varieties of seeds, a tropical fruit nursery, global bookstore, and staff offices.

ECHO, a nonprofit Christian organization, is a working farm with the goal of helping people who work internationally with the poor to develop agricultural solutions to world hunger. They do this through quality publications discussing the growth of a variety of high-yield crops in harsh conditions, trial packets of over 350 varieties of seeds, a "Technical Response Unit" that researches problems gardeners around the world struggle with, and tips on producing food in urban areas. Internships, education, workshops and conferences bring people from around the world to work, farm and learn how to grow crops in diverse climates and situations, thus helping to provide a sustainable food source for the poor around the world.

What does ECHO's Farm Day offer?

Although ECHO is available most days for tours (avoid holidays though!), the annual Farm Day is special. On Farm Day, there is something for everyone in the family all through the day. Tours reveal the behind-the-scenes workings of the farm, and the farming techniques and technologies applied in the growing of plants, trees, and livestock, such as bees, fish, ducks, chickens, rabbits and goats. Try some of the many varieties of tropical fruit grown at ECHO, make peanut butter and taste fresh orange or sugar cane juice.

There will be bamboo and container gardening workshops and interactive grafting demonstrations, along with activities especially for the children. Refreshments will be available for purchase as well.

If you would like to buy tickets in advance, call 239-543-3246, or visit ECHO's bookstore. Or buy tickets at the farm on the day of ECHO's Farm Day, and come join the enthusiastic staff and interns at ECHO's agricultural farm to learn how farmers all over the world grow and raise edible crops and livestock in diverse climates to feed the world's poor. Bring your family and come enjoy ECHO's Farm Day 2011!

Sources:

ECHO, ECHO's 20th Annual Farm Day!