Business Details
46 Years
experience
Agro-Tourism Farm & Educational Experience in Fort Myers
Southern Fresh Farms was founded in 1980 by Robert and Shelly McMahon on a 4.76-acre plot in Fort Myers, Florida. Over four decades, we evolved from traditional farming to pioneering agro-tourism, launching our educational park in 2015 to highlight agriculture's role in daily life. Our innovative vertical hydroponic farming system, developed with Verti-Go, allows high-density crop production while conserving resources. As a 501(c)(3) non-profit, we prioritize agricultural education, hosting field trips for students from pre-K to college and partnering with Lee County Exceptional Learning. Our farm features rescued animals, seasonal produce, and community events, making us a hub for sustainable practices and local engagement.We grow over 8,960 plants across 560 towers, producing diverse crops from lettuce to sweet potatoes. Our commitment to affordability ensures healthy eating remains accessible to all. Through hands-on experiences and partnerships, we bridge urban communities with agricultural roots. Our team combines 50+ years of farming expertise with a passion for education and sustainability. By integrating technology and tradition, we demonstrate modern solutions to agricultural challenges while preserving heritage.
Services
Agro-Tourism Park
Educational Field Trips
Vertical Hydroponic Farming
Farm Animal Encounters
Community Workshops
Details
- Year established: 1980
Highlights and features
- We offer 40+ years of agricultural expertise in Southwest Florida
- Our non-profit status prioritizes educational outreach over profit motives
- We utilize Disney World-proven vertical hydroponic farming technology
- We maintain rescued farm animals for educational interactions
- We partner with local schools for hands-on agricultural learning programs
What people say
Amazing learning experience
Great for school groups
Innovative farming methods
Adorable rescued animals
Affordable family outing
Services
Agro-Tourism Park
Our agro-tourism park offers immersive agricultural experiences for visitors of all ages. Guests explore vertical hydroponic farming systems, interact with rescued farm animals, and learn about sustainable practices through guided tours. The park serves as both an educational resource and recreational destination, featuring seasonal events and hands-on activities that connect urban communities with agricultural heritage.
Educational Field Trips
We provide structured agricultural education programs for students from pre-K through college. Curriculum-aligned field trips include crop demonstrations, animal care lessons, and sustainability workshops. Special partnerships with Lee County Exceptional Learning offer work-study opportunities, while our 501(c)(3) status ensures affordable access to agricultural knowledge for all educational institutions.
Vertical Hydroponic Farming
Our Verti-Go vertical hydroponic system maximizes crop yield in minimal space using stacked towers. This above-ground method prevents flood damage during rainy seasons while reducing water and pesticide use. The system produces over 8,960 plants across 560 towers, growing diverse crops from lettuce to sweet potatoes using 90% less water than traditional farming methods.
Farm Animal Encounters
Visitors engage with rescued and rescued farm animals including Holstein steers, mini donkeys, and Nubian goats. Educational encounters teach animal care practices and agricultural roles. Special programs feature bottle-feeding calves and socialization demonstrations. The animal program combines conservation efforts with hands-on learning about livestock management and biodiversity.
Community Workshops
We host regular workshops on sustainable agriculture, hydroponic gardening, and food production. Sessions cover practical skills from seed planting to harvest techniques. Community members learn to implement vertical farming at home while understanding local agricultural challenges. Workshops emphasize accessibility, with sliding-scale fees to ensure broad participation.
People
Robert McMahon
Founder
Fourth-generation farmer Robert McMahon established Southern Fresh Farms in 1980 after decades of family farming experience. He pioneered the agro-tourism park in 2015 to educate communities about agricultural sustainability. With over 50 years in farming, he specializes in innovative growing techniques and agricultural advocacy.
Shelly McMahon
Founder
Shelly McMahon co-founded Southern Fresh Farms with her husband Robert in 1980. She leads educational programs and manages the non-profit operations since its 2022 transition. Her expertise includes curriculum development for agricultural education and community outreach programs that serve over 5,000 students annually through field trips and work-study partnerships.
Questions
What are Southern Fresh Farms' regular operating hours?
We're open Tuesday-Thursday 9am-3pm, Friday-Saturday 9am-9pm, and Sunday 9am-4pm. Closed Mondays with free parking daily.
Do you offer educational programs for schools?
Yes, we host field trips for pre-K to college students with curriculum-aligned agricultural education. Special programs available for Lee County Exceptional Learning participants.
What produce do you grow and sell?
We grow 7 lettuce varieties, tomatoes, beets, onions, sweet potatoes, herbs, and more using vertical hydroponics. Also sell eggs, dairy, and local seafood/meats seasonally.
Are there special events at the farm?
Enjoy weekly food trucks and live music Friday-Saturday evenings. Seasonal events include harvest festivals, educational workshops, and community fundraisers.
Reviews (7)
Brad R.
Jan 22, 2022
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An awesome casual place. The products at the Farmers Market are excellent. The beer at Dingo Brewing is also great. Fun place to hangout.
MacKenzie Furman
Jan 18, 2022
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Absolutely love this place. 1st time visiting here and was well worth the trip from Port Charlotte. $1 for carrots to keep the cows and goats. $1 for pellets to feed the fish, turtles and ducks. Brewery onsite is very reasonably priced with a good selection of beers/ciders. Food is really good onsite as well with a decently large menu. Will definitely be back soon.
Anthony Zajec
Jan 15, 2022
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This is THE best place to go for farm fresh ingredients in SWFL. The team is friendly, and always willing to help. They were out of arugula bunches in the cooler, all I had to do was ask and they went and picked some fresh for me. Local folks, if you haven't been here, you need to stop by. Thanks for all you do!!
Linda Eroh
Dec 21, 2021
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Awesome establishment! They get the best food trucks in. Local entertainment, and dog friendly! Quite a variety of craft beer!
Michael Greenfield
Dec 17, 2021
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Great place to see the animals that were rescued from whatever circumstances they had to endure. Great piece of property with very friendly staff.
Ashley Spivey
Oct 19, 2021
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The best, most peaceful little farm you could imagine. All of the animals are so sweet and friendly and well kept, and all of the staff are such friendly, comforting faces. A very happy place to hang out with the animals and feed them. Highly recommend stopping by!
Toby M.
Aug 15, 2021
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Sunday hours were listed on Yelp as 9:00 am - 4:00 pm OPEN NOW so we took a 25 minute ride to the farm only to find it was closed. We wasted nearly an hour as well as some gas. If the business was to be closed for some reason, why wasn't the info updated online? Very disappointed.
