2026 Spring Southwest Florida Small Farmers Network Meeting

Join the UF/IFAS Southwest Florida Small Farmers Network, along with Florida Organic Growers (FOG) and the Rodale Institute, for a full‑day, in‑person meeting focused on organic production, farmer education, and connection. The event will feature presentations from partner organizations, networking opportunities, lunch, and afternoon one‑on‑one consultations with Rodale Institute specialists. Spanish interpretation will be available.

Overview

The SWFLSFN connects small-scale growers with UF/IFAS Extension–led resources and education to support diversified, sustainable farming

2026 Spring Southwest Florida Small Farmers Network Meeting

Wednesday, May 13 from 8:30 am to 3 pm

Join the UF/IFAS Southwest Florida Small Farmers Network (SWFSFN), in collaboration with Florida Organic Growers (FOG) and the Rodale Institute, for the 2026 Spring Meeting at Inyoni Organic Farm in Naples, Florida.

This event will provide an opportunity to learn about organic production in Florida, network with fellow farmers, and connect with representatives from partnering organizations and agencies.

The meeting will feature educational presentations from UF/IFAS, FOG, and the Rodale Institute, followed by a networking session. Lunch will be provided.

In the afternoon, participants will also have the opportunity to engage in one-on-one consultations with Rodale Institute specialists on topics including (https://rodaleinstitute.org/consulting/):

• Organic crop production
• Integrated pest management
• Soil health and fertility
• Organic and regenerative organic certification
• Small farm management
• Organic market development and access
• Community food system development

Note: There will be live, simultaneous interpretation in Spanish available to attending participants who would like to use this service.

About the SWFSFN

The Southwest Florida Small Farmers Network (SWFSFN) connects small-scale growers with UF/IFAS Extension agents and resources to support diversified, sustainable farming through farmer-driven education and collaboration. Open to beginning and experienced farmers, the free network offers on-farm visits, Extension-led presentations, and community-building activities across Southwest Florida and beyond. Visit the SWFSFN website for more information: https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/polk/southwest-florida-small-farmers-network/

About Florida Organic Growers (FOG)

Founded in 1987, Florida Certified Organic Growers and Consumers (FOG) is a nonprofit leader in advancing organic, regenerative, and sustainable agriculture. FOG has played a key role in shaping national organic standards and continues to engage in policy development on organic certification, food safety, and emerging agricultural issues. Visit FOG website for more information: https://foginfo.org/

About Rodale Institute

Rodale Institute is a nonprofit organization founded in 1947 by J. I. Rodale to advance organic farming through research that builds healthy, living soils and addresses the long‑term impacts of chemical‑based agriculture. It helped launch the modern organic movement by scientifically studying and demonstrating natural farming methods that support soil health, environmental resilience, and human well‑being. Visit the Rodale Institute website for more information: https://rodaleinstitute.org/

Tentative Agenda

8:30 – 9:00 Registration

9:00 – 9:10 Welcome, UF/IFAS Extension

9:10 – 10:00 Lectures

UF/IFAS Organizational Introduction and Services (10 mins)

Florida Organic Growers Opportunities for Transitioning and Certified Organic

Farmers (10–15 min)

Rodale Institute Exploring Organic: Considerations, Transitions, and Support for Small-Scale Growers (25–30 min)

10:00 – 11:00 Farm Tour

11:00 – 11:15 Break

11:15 – 11:45 Round Robin Introductions

11:45 Lunch and Giveaways

12:30-3:00 Consultations (https://rodaleinstitute.org/consulting/)

This event is supported through the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP). TOPP is a program of the USDA Organic Transition Initiative and is administered by the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) National Organic Program (NOP).

By attending, you consent to being photographed, filmed, or recorded. Media may be used for promotional purposes. Notify staff to opt out, though incidental inclusion in crowd shots may still occur. Thank you for your understanding!