Southwest Florida Small Farmers Network (SWFSFN)

The Southwest Florida Small Farmers Network (SWFSFN) is a group of UF/IFAS agents in the Southwest Region that connects growers with resources focused on diversified, sustainable farming. We support both new and established farmers across Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Hardee, Hillsborough, Lee, Manatee, Pasco, Polk, Pinellas, and Sarasota counties with good production practices, marketing, and management needs, helping them improve farm operations and product quality.

For more information about the SWFSFN, click here.

2026 Spring SWFLSFN Meeting at Inyoni Organic Farm

On May 13, 2026, SWFLSFN hosted a meeting at Inyoni Organic Farm. This farm is a 6-acre certified organic farm owned and operated by Nick Batty. The farm grows and harvests up to 50 varieties of organic vegetables, herbs, flowers, and fruits with a growing season that runs from September through June. The farm connects with the community in several ways, including participating in multiple farmers’ markets across Southwest Florida, offering Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) programs, and providing online sales. It has become a well-known destination for customers looking to purchase fresh, local, and seasonal food directly from the farmer. To know more about Inyoni Organic Farm, click here.

As the host site for the Spring SWFLSFN meeting, Nick Batty welcomed participants to the farm for discussions focused on organic production. UF/IFAS Extension, Florida Organic Growers (FOG), and Rodale Institute collaborated to provide lectures on services available for farmers and organic production in Florida. Nick Batty also provided a 1 hr. tour of the farm, explaining good organic production practices in Florida and how to implement them. The topics addressed during the meeting included:

• Regulations of organic production
• Organic certification
• Organic production Best Management Practices
• Land preparation, soil health, and Fertility
• Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
• Marketing Strategies
• Small farms management in Florida.

Collaboration with Florida Organic Growers (FOG) and Rodale Institute

The SWFLSFN partnered with Florida Organic Growers (FOG) and the Rodale Institute to provide outreach on organic production.

FOG, a nonprofit founded in 1987, promotes organic, regenerative, and sustainable agriculture and has helped shape national organic standards. At the meeting, FOG representatives shared information on organic production, answered questions on regulations and crop management, and showcased their experience working with farmers across the state.

For more information about FOG, click here.

Rodale Institute, established in 1947, advances organic agriculture through research and education focused on soil health and sustainability. At the meeting, a representative provided an overview of available services, and consultants offered one-on-one guidance to participants interested in organic production topics.

For more information about Rodale Institute, click here.

What participants said at the meeting

More than 60 individuals attended the meeting and provided highly positive feedback regarding both the lecture sessions and the farm tour. Based on a post-event survey (n =42),  98% of participants reported gaining knowledge related to agriculture or farming. Additionally,  83% indicated increased knowledge in areas such as crop production, pollinator plants, buffer zones for organic production, and best practices for organic farms in Florida.

Furthermore, 59% of respondents reported acquiring new skills as a result of the event, 88% established at least one new professional connection, and 36% indicated their intention to adopt at least one of the practices presented at the meeting.

These outcomes underscore the value of networking events for the agricultural community. They provide essential opportunities for education, networking, and meaningful dialogue, all of which support participants in improving and advancing their agricultural operations.

Conclusion

The 2026 Spring SWFLSFN meeting highlighted the strong interest and growing momentum around organic production in Southwest Florida. By bringing together farmers, Extension faculty, and partner organizations, this event created a valuable space for learning, networking, collaboration, and practical skill-building that directly supports the success of small and diversified farms of the region.

As SWFLSFN continues to connect producers with timely information and hands-on experiences, future meetings will continue to support local producers, offering new opportunities to explore emerging topics in agriculture, share innovative practices, and strengthen the local farming community. Growers are encouraged to stay engaged and participate in upcoming SWFLSFN events as we continue working together to advance sustainable agriculture across Southwest Florida.

Upcoming SWFLSFN Meeting

The SWFLSFN will be providing another meeting in the fall of 2026 in DeSoto County. Information about this meeting will be posted on our website soon: https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/polk/southwest-florida-small-farmers-network/

University of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Institution.

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