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.

• Click Here to Find Your Local UF/IFAS Extension Southwest District Agent →

  	David Outerbridge
  	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
  	Jessica Ryals
  	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
  	Luis O. Rodriguez Rosado
  	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
  	Jennifer A. Hagen
  	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
  	Allie Williams
  	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
  	Ida VanDamme
  	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
  	Kendall Gill
  	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

SWFSFN Upcoming Meetings

• REGISTRATION - 2026 Spring Southwest Florida Small Farmers Network Meeting
• BLOG POST - 2026 Spring Southwest Florida Small Farmers Network Meeting Announced
• FLYER (ENGLISH) - SWFLSFN Spring 2026 Meeting
• FOLLETO (ESPAÑOL) - SWFLSFN Spring 2026 Meeting SPANISH

SWFSFN Highlights

• Professional Networking Helps Southwest Florida Farmers
• CUPS Grower: ‘It Is a Calculated Risk’

Meet a SWFSFN Farmer

• Information Coming Soon...

Resources and Agricultural Agencies

• USDA
  • USDA Small Farms Program
  • USDA National Organic Program
  • Florida Farm Service Agency (FSA)
  • Florida Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)
• UF/IFAS Extension
  • UF/IFAS/FAMU Small Farm & Alternative Enterprise Program
  • UF/IFAS Extension - Commodity Production Budgets
  • UF/IFAS Extension - Building your Florida Farm Business Plan Website
  • UF/IFAS Extension Blogs
  • UF/IFAS Bookstore
• Farm Credit of Florida
• Florida Farm Bureau
  • Find your local Farm Bureau Office