Upcoming events

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 be centered 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. 

Who the course is for:

This course will especially benefit those who are considering short- or long-term involvement in international agricultural development work. It can also be of benefit to those who have been on the field doing development work for a few years but who would like to take a step back and re-evaluate their approach. Those who could benefit from this course include short-term or career missionaries, international project volunteers (e.g. Peace Corps), leaders of relief-oriented organizations, or missions committee leaders of churches involved in agricultural projects overseas. 

What is offered:

This course covers a broad range of topics relevant to those starting out 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.

University of California Postharvest Center Online Conference

The 2020 course is a great opportunity to upgrade your knowledge and skills at a significantly lower price!

This course is a seven-week intensive study of the latest technologies used for handling fruits, nuts, vegetables and ornamentals in California, and the underlying biology principals. The new, interactive, virtual format will include pre-recorded video presentations, weekly live overview, highlights and Q&A sessions with instructors, demonstrations, produce experiments, and break-out discussions.

The course is designed for produce handlers, quality control personnel, service companies, research and extension workers, and business, government or academic professionals interested in current advances in produce handling, storage, transportation, safety and marketing.

Learn about small-scale management of livestock in the tropics during this one week course. ECHO's global farm manages cattle, goats, sheep, pigs, fowl, and rabbits. Learn how to integrate and manage these animals into a tropical farming system.

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 be centered 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 out 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.

Join ECHO in Fort Myers, Florida for our annual three-day conference that will discuss challenges facing small scale farmers and development workers in the tropics.