Florida farmers are increasingly voicing their concern to UF/IFAS Extension about the negative impacts of conventional farming on the environment, including soil degradation, pesticide use, and water quality. As a result, some farmers are exploring agroecology as a viable, sustainable alternative. Agroecology offers a way to rethink farming by working with natural processes and by aligning food production with the health of the environment and the well-being of local communities. For farmers seeking to build more resilient, ecologically sound, and socially responsible food systems, agroecology provides both a guiding philosophy and a practical toolkit grounded in the specific conditions of their land, crops, and culture.

What is Agroecology?

Agroecology is an integrative approach to agriculture that emphasizes ecological balance, social responsibility, and long-term sustainability by aligning food production with natural environmental systems. Unlike conventional agriculture, which often prioritizes scale, external inputs, and efficiency, agroecology aims to improve biodiversity, strengthen local communities, and promote their well-being by using farming methods suited to each specific place.

Agroecology is based on 4 fundamental principles:

• Productivity: The amount of useful resources and wealth produced, measured by the assets of a farm, such as plant or animal productivity, the capacity of capturing carbon, efficient nutrient cycles, good crop yields, and income revenue.
• Diversity: The variety of plants, animals, microorganisms, fungi, and cultural elements in an environment that support each other’s well-being for the benefit of the farm.
• Resilience: The ability to maintain or recover productivity, biodiversity, and community stability when facing challenges like extreme weather, disease, pests, or economic problems.
• Systems Thinking: A way of understanding and planning that looks at how farming, ecosystems, and social factors are all connected.

Agroecology views farms as interconnected within broader food systems. It seeks to address environmental degradation, social inequities, and food insecurity by leveraging natural processes, internal resource cycling, and collaborative governance. Although complex and varied in implementation, agroecology aims to create food systems that are productive, profitable, and ecologically sustainable.

For more information about Agroecology, access the Ask IFAS publication called “Introducing Agroecology.”

Southwest Florida Small Farmers Network (SWFSFN)

The Southwest Florida Small Farmers Network (SWFSFN) is a collaborative group of UF/IFAS Extension agents serving the Southwest Region of Florida. Our mission is to connect local growers with a comprehensive network of resources that support diversified and sustainable farming systems.

We assist both established and beginning farmers across the counties of Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Hardee, Hillsborough, Lee, Manatee, Pasco, Polk, Pinellas, and Sarasota. Our support spans a wide range of agricultural needs, including production, marketing, and farm management. We work closely with farmers to identify and resolve challenges, enhance farm operations, and improve product quality. For more information about the SWFSFN, click here.

2025 Summer Southwest Florida Small Farmer Network Meeting

You are invited to attend the upcoming Southwest Florida Small Farmers Network (SWFSN) meeting on Wednesday, September 3, from 8:30 AM to 1:00 PM at ECHO Global Farms, located at 17391 Durrance Road, North Fort Myers, FL (Lee County).

This meeting will focus on key topics, including agroecology, sustainable agriculture, a guided farm tour, and a discussion on community food systems. Representatives from various agencies will also be present to share insights into their work and explore opportunities for collaboration with small-scale farmers.

A potluck lunch will be held during the event, so please feel free to bring a dish to share.

This is an excellent opportunity to network with local agency representatives and fellow farmers from the region. For Registration and more details about the meeting, click here.

University of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Institution

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