2025 Spring Southwest Florida Small Farmer Network Meeting

The Southwest Florida Small Farmer Network is a peer-to-peer network focused on exploring diversified and sustainable farming systems. This group is open to established and beginning farmers in Southwest Florida and hosted by UF/IFAS Extension Agents in the region. Connect with farmers and food entrepreneurs in the region. We’ll take a farmer-led tour of Stalk & Vine on 39 in Lithia and learn about the production methods, small farm equipment, and marketing strategies for small-scale farms. There will be presentations on the Cottage Food Law, irrigation and fertigation practices, then representatives from other agencies will give an overview of their roles and how they can work with small scale farmers. UF/IFAS Extension will be hosting lunch. This is a great networking opportunity to get to know representatives from local agencies as well as other farmers in the area! Tentative Agenda 8:30am – Registration/Check-In 9:00am – Welcome and Introductions 9:15am - Tour of the farm and overview of farm equipment 10:45am – Cottage Food Law Overview 11:00am - Irrigation & Fertigation 11:30am - Round-Robin introductions and networking 12:15pm - Lunch and Networking 1:00pm – Adjourn This is a free event, but registration is required. Please register by May 16th at noon. ***The University of Florida is committed to providing universal access to all of our events. For disability accommodations such as sign language interpreters and listening devices, please contact: Allie Williams (allisonwilliams@ufl.edu) at least 10 days in advance. Advance notice is necessary to arrange for some accessibility needs. For questions contact: Allie Williams at: 813-744-5519 Ext. 54119, allisonwilliams@ufl.edu The University of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Institution.