April TAD & Syntropic Agroforestry Dual Event
Register Before:
ಏಪ್ರಿಲ್ 01, 2026 23:59
Event Contact:
ECHO North America (study@echonet.org)
Phone: 239-567-3330
Introduction to Tropical Agriculture Development
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.
Syntropic Agroforestry
This is an interactive 4-day agroforestry training session. Learn how to cultivate abundant food and timber in a system that mimics a natural forest. Syntropic farming is a method inspired by Ernst Götsch.
This course will cover the principles and practices needed for a beginner to plant his/her own agroforest. Basic design and management skills will also be taught. An attendee can expect to return home with enough knowledge to produce a couple of rows of trees, so they start learning more through firsthand experience.
About your Instructors
Roger Gietzen is a father, medical doctor, and humanitarian worker interested in holistic health and regenerative agriculture. After coming to Haiti to serve the poorest, he created the nonprofit Global Freedom Project. Since 2016, he has been working on an educational program to help spread the wisdom of syntropic farming to the family farmers of Haiti.
Mauro Rosito is a father, humanitarian worker, and farmer with years of firsthand experience in syntropic agriculture. He has operated a sustainable market garden business on his family farm in Southern Brazil. Shortly after he met Roger, he decided to join the team in Haiti and bring his expertise “to the table” to help create this educational program. He has a particular interest in cacao farming.
Event Details
ಸ್ಥಳ
ECHO North America
17391 Durrance Road North Fort Myers, Florida 33917 United States
ನೋಂದಣಿ
Registration fees include:
- 9-days of training
- Meals (breakfast, lunch & dinner)
- Lodging
Registration does not include:
- Transportation to or from the Airport
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Registration for this course will end on April 1st.
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 January 31st: $1200
- Early Bird Local Attendee (No Housing) - Now through January 31st: $900
- Regular Registration fee - February 1st through April 1st: $1300
- Local Attendee Rate (No Housing) - February 1st through April 1st: $950
- Spouse Registration fee - Now through April 1st: $1000
Payment Options
Click the "Bundle and Save" link below to register for both Introduction to Tropical Agriculture Development and Syntropic Agroforestry. All payment processes will go through this website.
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Registration fee inlcudes lodging!
Lodging is provided on campus. Check-in date is Sunday, April 12th and check-out date is Saturday, 25th. If you need to stay outside of this time frame additional charges may apply.
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.
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Registration fees include all meals for Monday morning through Friday lunch on training days.
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.
Meals are not provided over the weekend or Monday April 20th. 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.