The Southwest Florida Small Farmers Network (SWFSFN) serves as a collaborative platform connecting local growers with a robust network of resources focused on diversified and sustainable farming practices. Facilitated by UF/IFAS Extension agents from Collier, DeSoto, Hillsborough, Lee, Manatee, Polk, and Sarasota counties, the network is designed to address the priorities, challenges, and needs identified by small-scale farmers through targeted educational opportunities.
Open to growers from the Florida Southwest region and beyond, SWFSFN meetings typically feature on-farm visits, including farmer-led tours and presentations that showcase operational practices. These are complemented by UF/IFAS Extension presentations on topics selected by network members. Additional meeting activities often include grower discussions, potluck lunches, and interaction with agricultural-related agencies, fostering both community engagement and knowledge exchange.
The network welcomes both beginning and experienced small farmers interested in building a regional community of producers and exploring alternative agricultural enterprises. Membership is free and open to all Farmers and aspiring farmers.
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Click Here to Find Your Local UF/IFAS Extension Southwest District Agent →
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Lee County
Title: Program County Extension
Agent II, M.S.
Specialty: County Extension Director
County Office Location:
3410 Palm Beach Blvd,
Fort Myers, FL 33916
Email: douterbridge@ufl.edu
Phone: (239) 533-7500
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Collier County
Title: Extension Agent III, M.P.A.
Specialty: Agriculture/Sustainable Food Systems
County Office Location:
14700 Immokalee Road,
Naples, FL 34120
Email: jessicaryals@ufl.edu
Phone: (239) 252-4800
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Polk County
Title: Extension Agent I, M.S.
Specialty: Small Farms and Pesticide Education
County Office Location:
1702 S Holland Pkwy,
Bartow, FL 33830
Email: lrodriguezrosado@ufl.edu
Phone: (863) 519-1049
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Lee County
Title: Extension Agent II, M.S.
Specialty: Family and Consumer Sciences
County Office Location:
3410 Palm Beach Blvd,
Ft Myers, FL 33916
Email: jhagen@ufl.edu
Phone: (239) 533-4327
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Hillsborough County
Title: Extension Agent I, M.S.
Specialty: Small Farms & Livestock
County Office Location:
5339 C.R 579,
Seffner, FL 33584
Email: allisonwilliams@ufl.edu
Phone: (813) 744-5519 ext. 54119
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Manatee County
Title: Sustainable Food Systems Extension Agent I, B.S.
Specialty: Sustainable Food Systems
County Office Location:
1303 17th St West,
Palmetto, FL 34221
Email: idacv16@ufl.edu
Phone: (941) 722-4524
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Desoto County
Title: Extension Agent I, B.S.
Specialty: Small Farms & Livestock
County Office Location:
2150 NE Roan St,
Arcadia, FL 34266
Email: kendall.gill@ufl.edu
Phone: (863) 993-4846
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SWFSFN Upcoming Meetings
- 2026 Meeting Information Coming Soon...
SWFSFN Highlights
Meet a SWFSFN Farmer
- Information Coming Soon...
Resources and Agricultural Agencies
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