ECHO North America: Introduction to Tropical Agriculture Development - July 2025
Register Before:
June 22, 2025 13:59
Event Contact:
ECHO North America (study@echonet.org)
Phone: 239-567-3330
Those interested in preparing for short to long-term involvement in international agriculture development are encouraged to participate in this five-day course. Topics and discussions will focus on improved food security and agricultural livelihoods for small-scale farmers in developing countries. Participants will be introduced to the complexities related to poverty and community development. They will also be introduced to principles and practices that contribute toward maintaining healthy and productive soil as well as improved water management and crop production (e.g., annuals and perennials). The vital role of livestock and appropriate technology is also incorporated into the course. During the week, activities will include presentations, farm-based practicums, consultations with ECHO staff, and opportunities for research in the ECHO Resource Library.
What is offered:
This course covers a broad range of topics relevant to those starting in agricultural development in a tropical environment. The purpose of this class is to expose you to several different ideas and concepts. Although a significant amount of time will be spent looking at examples on the ECHO Farm, given the breadth of topics covered, extensive hands-on farm work should not be an expectation of taking this course.
July 15-18 is a TAD 2 Training on Syntropic Agroforestry. If you would like to take part in both TAD Trainings you can "Bundle and Save". That's two information-packed weeks on the ECHO farm learning from experienced ECHO staff and Partners and interacting with a multitude of tropical crops, systems, and animals.
Click Here to learn more about the TAD II Syntropic Agroforestry course.
Event Details
Location
ECHO North America
17391 Durrance Road North Fort Myers, Florida 33917 United States
Registration
Registration fees include:
Registration does not include:
- Transportation to or from the Airport
Cost
Registration for this course will end on June 22nd.
The Prices below are ALL INCLUSIVE!! Payments include housing (on the farm), food (breakfast, lunch AND dinner), and training fee.
- Early Bird Rate - Now through May 7th: $695
- Early Bird Local Attendee (No Housing) - Now through May 7th: $450
- Regular Registration fee - May 8th through June 22nd: $750
- Local Attendee Rate (No Housing) - May 8th through June 22nd: $490
- Spouse Registration fee - Now through June 22nd: $575
Payment Options
Please use the "Register Here" link below to register for this course ONLY. Click the "Bundle and Save" link below to register for both TAD I and TAD II. All payment processes will go through this website.
Lodging
Registration fee inlcudes lodging!
Lodging is provided on campus. Check-in date is Sunday, July 6th and check-out date is Saturday, July 12th. If you need to stay outside of this time frame additional charges may apply.
*If you are registering for BOTH COURSES - Check out date for TAD II is Saturday, July 19th. Your registration cost covers fees to stay at ECHO over the weekend, you do not need to find additional housing between trainings.
ECHO is a working farm, and lodging options include dormitory style as well as shared guesthouses, depending on availability.
If you are a couple, ECHO will try to accomodate housing.
Please notify ECHO (study@echonet.org) of any family members that will be traveling to ECHO far ahead of time. There may be additional fees for family members even if they do not attend the course.
Food
Registration fees include all meals for Monday morning through Friday lunch.
We are not able to assure accommodation for those with special dietary needs or food allergies, please plan accordingly.
If you have a specific diet you follow or you have food allergies- please contact us at study@echonet.org.
*If you are staying for BOTH COURSES - Meals are not provided over the weekend or Monday July 14th. Please plan accordingly for meals during these dates.
Additional Information
VISA REQUIREMENTS
ECHO currently considers visa letter requests on a case-by-case basis.
Anyone needing a visa in order to attend any of our courses must have their visa in place at least 30 days prior to the start of the class. This policy is required in order to allow sufficient time for processing applications and to give individuals that might be on our waiting list ample time to make travel arrangements.
Cancellation Policy - ECHO Classes
Payment for ECHO classes is required at the time of registration. Due to the nature of the class, we require at least 4 weeks notice of cancellation to receive a full refund of your fees. A refund will not be issued if less than a week's notice is given.
These courses are interest-driven. Therefore, we reserve the right to cancel a course due to a lack of interest. Should a cancellation be necessary, we will do so two weeks before the first day of class.