This year, ECHO’s annual Global Food and Farm Festival is March 15 through March 21, 2025.  It’s an event that families, farmers, and fun-loving folks look forward to every year, as it’s an incredible experience for all! The ‘kick-off’ Farm Day is Saturday, March 15, from 9 am to 3 pm. It’s a chance to enjoy a day on the 57-acre Global Farm through tours, workshops, and interactive demonstrations. Attendees can taste, touch, and experience their way around the world as they gain insights into global farming and pressing issues, including hunger and working with limited resources.  

Some of the events at Farm Day on Saturday, March 15 are Sugar Cane Crushing, Spinning Wool, Community Gardening, and How to Make Healthier Soils. Food trucks and other festivities will also be on-site on this day. Advance entrance tickets, ranging from $5 (early bird) to $30 (family) can be purchased online at Global Food and Farm Tickets. 

But the experience and opportunities don’t end there; they go on! “Those who are interested in focused workshops, such as Got Goats? On Tuesday, March 18, at 1:30 pm; Seed Saving for Gardeners on Wednesday, March 19, at 10 am; or The Beekeeping Experience on Thursday, March 20, at 1:30 pm, can sign up to attend a workshop based on one’s interest,” explains Cecily Huston Extensions Team Leader, adding  “March 18 through March 21 is ECHO’s workshop week!”  Indeed, the workshops offer something for every interest.  There’s also a Tropical Tasting Lunch on Wednesday, March 19, made with farm-fresh items from their community garden at 12 noon. Workshop and tasting tickets range from $20-30. Find out more about the festival, purchase entry tickets, and purchase and sign up for a Global Food and Farm Festival workshop.  

Throughout the year, ECHO also offers other events and various tours, such as the Global Farm Tour, for those interested in seeing demonstrations, plants, and techniques designed to assist farmers and urban gardeners in developing countries worldwide. Or the Appropriate Technology Village Tour, which demonstrates simple yet effective problem- solving solutions for small-scale farmers throughout the world. There’s also a bookstore and a nursery with unique books, fair trade gifts, and seeds. ECHO, 13791 Durrance Road, North Fort Myers, 239-543-3246, echo.org. 

Ann Marie O’Phelan is a SW Florida resident and a regular contributor to TOTI Media.