ECHO's Global Farm
Research and Learning Center
ECHO's Global Farm was originally developed to train interns, students and overseas development workers in tropical agriculture. The first stage of the project was completed in February 2001 and was finalized in 2004. Guided Tours of the Global Village are enjoyed by over 10,000 tourists, local residents, colleges, and church groups each year. Tours are used to educate about agricultural issues in developing countries, while highlighting unique solutions to growing food under harsh conditions.
Areas of the Global Farm
The Global Farm is divided into six main areas. Each area is managed by one of ECHO's agricultural interns who spends 12 months cultivating, harvesting, and researching numerous crops, fruit trees, and nutritious food plants. Each plot is also used to produce seeds which are ultimately packaged and sent overseas in order to be evaluated as a potential new food crop. Showcased on the various plots are affordable and sustainable farming techniques that also incorporate suitable animals and appropriate technologies.
Click on the links below or in the side column to learn about each area on our demonstration farm.
Public Tours
January - March: Tuesday - Friday at 10:00am and 2:00pm, and Saturday at 10:00am
April - December: Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday at 10:00am
*For groups of 8 or larger, please make a reservation.
*Limited handicapped accommodations are also available. Please call ahead to make handicapped reservations.
For reservations, please call ECHO at (239) 567-3315.
Admission:
Adults $8.00
Children $5.00
Children under 6 Free
**discounts available**
Private Tours
Private tours may be scheduled for groups of 10 or more. Tour times vary. Group admission rate: $5.00 per person. Reservations must be made in advance.
Field Trips
School sponsored class field trips are available for fourth grade and higher by reservation only. There is a charge of $3.00 per tour participant, both students and adults, with a minimum of $50.00 per tour, as these require specially trained guides. You may email your request or call the above number.
