December 4-6, 2012

Fort Myers, Florida

Make plans today to attend ECHO's 19th Annual ECHO Agricultural Conference! The event brings together some of the world’s most influential voices dedicated to eradicating hunger and improving lives.

Speakers will share practical solutions to agricultural challenges, personal experiences and strategies for improving the lives of millions who daily face the threat of starvation. The event offers an open exchange of information, connecting the people and ideas that can make a real and sustainable difference.

Conference accommodation and meeting rooms for morning and evening sessions will be held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel (http://www.cpfortmyers.com/) in the Bell Tower district of Fort Myers. Afternoon workshops and demonstrations will be held at the 50-acre ECHO farm in North Fort Myers, which has one of the largest collections of tropical fruits and vegetables in the Unites States. 

We have received many requests to have more substantial meals for lunch, and have therefore changed our meal plan.  We will provide the continental breakfast buffet and a robust lunch on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, with a special closing Banquet on Thursday evening.  No other meals will be provided. This means that you will have the opportunity on Tuesday and Wednesday evening to eat in one of the many eating establishments in the Fort Myers area, depending on your available transportaion.  The cost of the meals provided by ECHO is included in your registration fee. 

EAC 2011: Morning Resource Speakers

Please note that some of the information below may change as topics are finalized. 

Dave Evans, with Food for the Hungry (U.S. President), will speak on the economics of global agriculture and the effects of food price gyrations on the world's poor--all from a Biblical perspective.

Dr. Ravi Jayakaran, with MAP International (Vice President, Global Programs), will address various aspects of “The Total Health Village- an example of Holistic Integrated Development”

Roy Danforth (Covenant missionary to the Central African Republic) brings extensive experience in agricultural development work, particularly in the area of fruit trees.  Specific topic to be determined.

Matt Murdock, with 19 years in Africa (Togo and Benin), will present a talk entitled, Rural Training Center: A Model for Equipping Village Churches to lead in Agricultural Development.  His talk will highlight efforts in honey production and animal husbandry.

Dr. Sawadogo, from Burkina Faso, will present aspects of his knowledge—based on extensive scientific research--of the zaï system for growing crops on dry, degraded lands.

Dusty Reynolds will share his experiences as an entrepreneur, operating a business (Sababu Clothing) that helps people in Mali with marketing linkages and opportunities.