The Market Gardener Podcast

JM Fortier
  • 5.0 (25)
  • EARTH SCIENCES
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Welcome to The Market Gardener Podcast! Join hosts JM Fortier and Chris Moran as they engage with influential members of the global small-scale farming and organic regenerative agriculture community. Our podcast is your gateway to insightful conversations about farming, food, small businesses, and thought leadership in the world of sustainable agriculture. We're here to shine a positive light on the practices and principles that drive small-scale farming, agroecology, and community building. Tune in for high-level discussions that inspire and empower a new era of positive farming.

  1. 38: Small-Scale Farming Is The Coolest Counterculture Of Our Time

    SEP 18

    38: Small-Scale Farming Is The Coolest Counterculture Of Our Time

    In this heartfelt solo episode, Jean-Martin Fortier reflects on the idea that small-scale farming is the true counterculture of today; a colorful, creative, and deeply rooted way of life that stands in contrast to mainstream consumerism and the obsession with wealth. He explores three key pillars: culture, diversity, and resiliency, highlighting how small farms foster biodiversity, preserve tradition, and offer an authentic alternative to homogenized food systems. Jean-Martin shares his personal journey and observations from farms around the world, emphasizing that these local, human-scale farms are not only feeding communities but also nurturing ecosystems. This is an uplifting, passionate tribute to the global movement of growers fighting back with resilience, creativity, and community. Timestamps [0:00] When did it become cool to get rich? Reflections on what “being cool” used to mean. [4:31] Why small-scale farming is the ultimate counterculture today. [8:06] Farms as colorful, original spaces that resist mainstream homogenization. [13:05] The farm as a lifestyle: freedom, connection, and shared struggle. [21:39] Rediscovering crate art and the creativity of early 20th-century farms. [23:11] Diversity in farming and why it's essential to human health and culture. [34:07] Small farms as key players in restoring biodiversity and rewilding. [39:28] Scaling out, not up: how a network of small farms builds resiliency and food sovereignty. Sponsors Tessier: Use promo code MGI10 for 10% off and free shipping on your first purchase for the Eastern North American regions https://info.serres-guytessier.com/en/tessier-mgi10?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Tessier+MGI+podcast Links/Resources Market Gardener Institute:  https://themarketgardener.com  Masterclass:  https://themarketgardener.com/courses/the-market-gardener-masterclass  Newsletter:  https://themarketgardener.com/newsletter Blog:  https://themarketgardener.com/blog  Books: https://themarketgardener.com/books Growers & Co: https://growers.co Heirloom: https://heirloom.ag/ The Old Mill: https://www.espaceoldmill.com/en/ Follow Us Website: http://themarketgardener.com  Facebook: http://facebook.com/marketgardenerinstitute Instagram: http://instagram.com/themarketgardeners JM: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeanmartinfortier Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jeanmartinfortier

    46 min
  2. 37: Richard Perkins | The Art Of The Small Mixed Regenerative Farm

    SEP 4

    37: Richard Perkins | The Art Of The Small Mixed Regenerative Farm

    In this episode, we speak with Richard Perkins, farmer & educator at Ridgedale Permaculture, and author of Regenerative Agriculture, about the deeper layers of farming, culture, and meaning. Richard shares the story behind his decision to open a historic restaurant, Sillegarden, in rural Sweden as a way to reconnect people to place, food, and each other. He reflects on the role of farmers as community builders, the dangers of seed oils and grain-based diets, and why he’s more interested in soil-building than buzzwords. The conversation dives into mentorship, the mental and emotional toll of farm life, and the joy of doing hard things with people you care about. The episode wraps with a rapid-fire Q&A touching on wild food, trauma, nutrient density, and the classic farming book he's updating for a new generation of land stewards. Sillegarden Restaurant: https://www.sillegarden.com/  Timestamps [2:14] The role of chefs and the fitness industry in changing the food system. [10:13] Richard’s journey into farming, from working in the UK to settling in Sweden. [13:07] Ridgedale Farm's functions: being a profitable farm and a learning platform for new farmers. [16:08] The role of YouTube and social media in Richard's work and documenting his journey. [29:21] The origin story of the Sillegarden restaurant and Richard's goal to create cultural experiences. [44:39] The importance of local, seasonal food and the value of old-fashioned farming methods. [1:00:44] Diet and health journey, animal-based eating and avoiding seed oils, sugar, and unfermented grains. [1:17:30] The co-opting of the word "regenerative" by big agriculture and Richard's perspective on the term. [1:24:10] P.A. Yeomans's keyline design and scale of permanence on farm planning. [1:35:30] REKO Rings model: an efficient, community-driven sales and marketing system for local food. [1:54:42] Rapid Fire: Quick questions on books, advice, and personal experiences. Sponsors Tessier: Use promo code MGI10 for 10% off and free shipping on your first purchase for the Eastern North American regions https://info.serres-guytessier.com/en/tessier-mgi10?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Tessier+MGI+podcast Links/Resources Market Gardener Institute:  https://themarketgardener.com  Masterclass:  https://themarketgardener.com/courses/the-market-gardener-masterclass  Newsletter:  https://themarketgardener.com/newsletter Blog:  https://themarketgardener.com/blog  Books: https://themarketgardener.com/books Growers & Co: https://growers.co Heirloom: https://heirloom.ag/ The Old Mill: https://www.espaceoldmill.com/en/ Follow Us Website: http://themarketgardener.com  Facebook: http://facebook.com/marketgardenerinstitute  Instagram: http://instagram.com/themarketgardeners  Guest Social Media Links Richard Perkins:  Website: https://www.richardperkins.co/  Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@regenerativeagriculture  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/richardperkins.co/?hl=en  Ridgedale Farm website: https://www.ridgedalepermaculture.com/  JM: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeanmartinfortierFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/jeanmartinfortier

    2h 8m
  3. 36: Balancing Motherhood & Farming At The Raddest Farm Around | Jaymie Thurler of Rutabaga Ranch

    AUG 21

    36: Balancing Motherhood & Farming At The Raddest Farm Around | Jaymie Thurler of Rutabaga Ranch

    In this episode we sit down with Jaymie Thurler of Rutabaga Ranch, whose colorful “punk rock” style meets old-school farming roots and new motherhood. Jaymie shares her journey of taking over a “left for dead” property and turning it into a beautiful thriving market garden, right in the community where she and her husband grew up. She details how her farm's success is tied to key initiatives, including a self-serve farm stand that is open seven days a week and a woodchip boiler system that heats their greenhouses for early tomato production. Jaymie reflects on raising a baby on the farm, both the joys and challenges, and how it has reshaped both her life and her leadership. Throughout, themes of community, culture, heritage, and family are highlighted in this wide-ranging and delightful conversation. Timestamps [4:11] “New rurals” vs “old school” conventional farmers [10:04] Story of Rutabaga Ranch and acquiring the farmhouse [12:12] Interconnectedness of rural life and relying on neighbors [17:25] Farm overview [20:10] The joy of working with family and building a lasting legacy [24:25] Unexpected community support for the farm stand  [28:51] Self-serve farm stand breakdown  [33:41] Innovative waste-wood heating system [55:08] Using “waste material” and the ecological benefits of wood chips [1:04:31] The importance of showing that farming can be fun and not “miserable” [1:10:15] Balancing a profitable farm with motherhood and quality of life [1:22:35] Profitability of early tomatoes and their role in the farm’s income [1:32:57] Is participating in local agricultural fairs “punk rock”? [1:39:44] How Jaymie got into market gardening [1:53:58] Rapid-fire Q&A including book recommendations, advice, and failures Sponsors Tessier: Use promo code MGI10 for 10% off and free shipping on your first purchase for the Eastern North American regions https://info.serres-guytessier.com/en/tessier-mgi10?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Tessier+MGI+podcast Links/Resources Market Gardener Institute:  https://themarketgardener.com  Masterclass:  https://themarketgardener.com/courses/the-market-gardener-masterclass  Newsletter:  https://themarketgardener.com/newsletter Blog:  https://themarketgardener.com/blog  Books: https://themarketgardener.com/books Growers & Co: https://growers.co Heirloom: https://heirloom.ag/ The Old Mill: https://www.espaceoldmill.com/en/ Follow Us Website: http://themarketgardener.com  Facebook: http://facebook.com/marketgardenerinstitute  Instagram: http://instagram.com/themarketgardeners  Guest Social Media Links Jaymie Thurler:  Website: https://rutabaga-ranch.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rutabagaranch/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rutabagaranch  JM: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeanmartinfortier Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jeanmartinfortier

    2h 6m
  4. 35: Eliot Coleman Legendary Organic Farmer | What Is the True Meaning of Organic Farming?

    AUG 7

    35: Eliot Coleman Legendary Organic Farmer | What Is the True Meaning of Organic Farming?

    In this episode, we speak with legendary organic farmer Eliot Coleman. Recorded live at the Canopy Retreat with an audience of growers, Eliot reflects on how processes—not products—hold the key to truly regenerative agriculture. He shares how his farm no longer uses external inputs and why growing your own organic matter through green manures is the path toward clean, self-sustaining fertility. Eliot recounts his early days learning from European farmers and agrarian elders, explains the science behind plant resilience and soil biology, and issues a cautionary critique of industrial compost, seaweed, and the co-opting of terms like “regenerative.” The conversation dives into the philosophical and practical tensions between tillage and no-till farming, and the importance of rejecting guilt-based marketing in favor of science, intuition, and lived experience. The episode wraps with a call to action for the next generation of growers to resist commodification, prioritize clean food, and reclaim the agrarian wisdom that has guided organic farming for over a century. Eliot’s new book, The Self-Fed Farm: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/797560/the-self-fed-farm-and-garden-by-eliot-coleman/ Learn more about our Canopy program: https://themarketgardener.com/canopy-leadership-program/ Timestamps [0:00] Intro [3:05] Jean-Martin on Eliot’s influence and legacy [6:49] How Eliot built fertile soil from spruce forest without outside compost [10:36] Learning from European organic pioneers in the 1960s [15:24] Tapping into nature vs. chasing “progress” [17:28] Root exudates, soil biology, and natural pest resistance [20:02] The radical roots of the organic movement [23:15] Why sharing knowledge became Eliot’s mission [30:59] Inside Eliot’s rare 2,500-volume organic farming library [35:02] Processes over products: the case for green manures [44:34] Eliot’s critique of the no-till trend and regenerative greenwashing [58:17] Fighting for the soul of organic through the Real Organic Project [1:04:05] Why we must fight to preserve the integrity of organic farming [1:22:31] What farming taught Eliot Coleman about life, meaning, and satisfaction Sponsors Tessier: Use promo code MGI10 for 10% off and free shipping on your first purchase for the Eastern North American regions BelSerre: Contact Belserre at 819-816-4620 to discuss your next project. Servicing Quebec & Ontario. New Society Publishing: Use code market25 for 25% off all books BCS: Visit BCS website for current sales and promotions. Links/Resources Market Gardener Institute:  https://themarketgardener.com  Masterclass:  https://themarketgardener.com/courses/the-market-gardener-masterclass  Newsletter:  https://themarketgardener.com/newsletter Blog:  https://themarketgardener.com/blog  Books: https://themarketgardener.com/books Growers & Co: https://growers.co Heirloom: https://heirloom.ag/ The Old Mill: https://www.espaceoldmill.com/en/ Follow Us Website: http://themarketgardener.com  Facebook: http://facebook.com/marketgardenerinstitute Instagram: http://instagram.com/themarketgardeners Guest Social Media Links Eliot Coleman:  Website: https://www.eliotbarbara.com/  Farm Website: https://www.fourseasonfarm.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fourseasonfarm/# JM: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeanmartinfortierFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/jeanmartinfortier

    1h 31m
  5. 34: Meet The Grower Behind Our Farm-To-Table Michelin Guide Restaurant | Angie Warner

    JUL 24

    34: Meet The Grower Behind Our Farm-To-Table Michelin Guide Restaurant | Angie Warner

    In this episode, we sit down with Angie Warner, farm manager at the Old Mill and an eighth-generation farmer. Angie shares her journey from working as a pastry chef in Montreal restaurants to growing specialty crops at the Old Mill, emphasizing the value of hands-on learning and the lessons found in mistakes. She reflects on the unique challenges of farming for a restaurant’s tasting menu, explains how radicchio is “forced” to enhance its flavor, and opens up about what it means to be the eighth generation striving to preserve her family’s land. Driven by a deep respect for the past and a commitment to a sustainable future, Angie’s mission is to make the Old Mill a lasting institution—one that reconnects people with the origins of their food for generations to come. Old Mill Restaurant: https://www.espaceoldmill.com/en/ Timestamps [0:00] Intro [5:47] Discussion on "forced radicchio" and other unique farming techniques.   [14:11] The unique challenges of farming for a restaurant versus a market.   [27:36] Generational farming, protecting agricultural land, and family history.    [42:15] Learning through mistakes and continuous personal growth in farming.   [53:27] Aspirations for Michelin recognition and the Old Mill's future potential.   [1:07:17] Ecological soil practices and experimenting with mushroom compost.   [1:14:58] Angie's inspirations and mentors in the farming world.   [1:34:04] Sap analysis and foliar sprays for precise nutrient management.   [1:36:55] What brings Angie the most joy in farming and her long-term vision.   [1:41:47] Rapid Fire Q&A. Sponsors Tessier: Use promo code MGI10 for 10% off and free shipping on your first purchase for the Eastern North American regions https://info.serres-guytessier.com/en/tessier-mgi10?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Tessier+MGI+podcast New Society Publishing: Use code market25 for 25% off all books https://newsociety.com/?utm_source=The%20Market%20Gardener%20Podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=Sponsorship Links/Resources Market Gardener Institute:  https://themarketgardener.com  Masterclass:  https://themarketgardener.com/courses/the-market-gardener-masterclass  Newsletter:  https://themarketgardener.com/newsletter Blog:  https://themarketgardener.com/blog  Books: https://themarketgardener.com/books Growers & Co: https://growers.co Heirloom: https://heirloom.ag/ The Old Mill: https://www.espaceoldmill.com/en/ Follow Us Website: http://themarketgardener.com  Facebook: http://facebook.com/marketgardenerinstitute Instagram: http://instagram.com/themarketgardeners Guest Social Media Links Angie: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/angie.warner7 Old Mill Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/espaceoldmill/  JM: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeanmartinfortierFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/jeanmartinfortier

    1h 59m
  6. 33: How Do We Scale Small-Scale Farming? | JM Fortier

    JUL 10

    33: How Do We Scale Small-Scale Farming? | JM Fortier

    In this solo episode, Jean-Martin Fortier reflects on the question: How do we scale small-scale farming? Fresh from the Canopy leadership retreat, he shares insights on building resilient, human-scale farms rooted in ecology and community. Highlighting the wisdom of guest speakers like Eliot Coleman and others, Jean-Martin critiques the industrial co-opting of terms like “organic” and “regenerative,” emphasizing instead the need to multiply small, autonomous farms that feed local communities. He calls for collective action, not through industrial reform, but by creating a global ecosystem of interconnected growers working toward a more vibrant and sustainable food system. Timestamps [0:00] “How do you scale small scale?” [2:11] Reflections on the Canopy leadership retreat and guest speakers [5:34] Eliot Coleman’s visit and his philosophy: “Process over products” [8:03] The purpose of the Canopy program and building a global network [10:33] Jean-Martin’s evolving mission: multiplying impact beyond his farm [12:13] Organic vs. regenerative: concerns about industrial co-optation [15:35] The power of small-scale farms to feed communities [20:03] Replacing industrial food systems with local farm networks [22:48] Building ecosystems to support 100,000+ farms [26:25] Ecology, social ecology, and the forest as a metaphor for resilience Sponsors Tessier: Use promo code MGI10 for 10% off and free shipping on your first purchase for the Eastern North American regions BelSerre: Contact Belserre at 819-816-4620 to discuss your next project. Servicing Quebec & Ontario. New Society Publishing: Use code market25 for 25% off all books Links/Resources Market Gardener Institute:  https://themarketgardener.com  Masterclass:  https://themarketgardener.com/courses/the-market-gardener-masterclass  Newsletter:  https://themarketgardener.com/newsletter Blog:  https://themarketgardener.com/blog  Books: https://themarketgardener.com/books Growers & Co: https://growers.co Heirloom: https://heirloom.ag/ The Old Mill: https://www.espaceoldmill.com/en/ Follow Us Website: http://themarketgardener.com  Facebook: http://facebook.com/marketgardenerinstitute Instagram: http://instagram.com/themarketgardeners Guest Social Media Links JM: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeanmartinfortierFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/jeanmartinfortier

    32 min
  7. 32: Why Small Local Restaurants Matter In Our Globalized World | David McMillan

    JUN 26

    32: Why Small Local Restaurants Matter In Our Globalized World | David McMillan

    In this episode, we welcome David McMillan back to the show, co-founder of Montreal’s famed Joe Beef restaurant, and now winemaker in the countryside of Quebec. In this wide ranging conversation, we discuss the growing industry of locally made wines, farmland access, indigenous growing practices, David’s evolving diet, cooking advice, and what it means to support “true” local agriculture and business. David advocates for small, heartfelt, chef-owned restaurants, criticizing luxury excess and corporate influence. With Michelin arriving in Quebec, he warns against the loss of local food identity. His solution? A welcoming family restaurant with affordable meals, and news of his upcoming cookbook launch in Montreal and New York. David’s new book: Spilled: Natural Winemakers Stories & Recipes  https://www.rizzoliusa.com/book/9780847844005/ Timestamps [0:00] Intro [03:12] Winemaking & the evolution of Quebec terroir and hybrid grape varieties [09:45] Farmland access [21:05] Re-wilding on Dave’s farm [28:59] Iroquois growing practices, Oyster history of NYC, metal detecting [47:50] David’s evolving diet [57:33] Cooking advice  [1:23:05] David’s new project & vision: $5-soup, accessible family bistro [1:29:47] How corporate chains are squeezing out small, soulful restaurants [1:36:51]  Critique of fine dining excess and luxury obsession [1:42:08] Thoughts on the Michelin Guide - “True” local food & economy [1:54:06] Rapid Fire Q&A, The Holistic Orchard by Michael Phillips [2:09:41] Wrapping up with his new cookbook Spilled and launch plans Sponsors Tessier: Use promo code MGI10 for 10% off and free shipping on your first purchase for the Eastern North American regions Links/Resources Market Gardener Institute:  https://themarketgardener.com  Masterclass:  https://themarketgardener.com/courses/the-market-gardener-masterclass  Newsletter:  https://themarketgardener.com/newsletter Blog:  https://themarketgardener.com/blog  Books: https://themarketgardener.com/books Growers & Co: https://growers.co Heirloom: https://heirloom.ag/ The Old Mill: https://www.espaceoldmill.com/en/ Follow Us Website: http://themarketgardener.com  Facebook: http://facebook.com/marketgardenerinstitute Instagram: http://instagram.com/themarketgardeners Guest Social Media Links David: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidmcmillanmtl JM: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeanmartinfortierFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/jeanmartinfortier

    2h 14m
  8. 31: Is Our Agriculture On The Verge Of Collapse? The Urgent Need For Young Farmers | Sara Dent

    JUN 12

    31: Is Our Agriculture On The Verge Of Collapse? The Urgent Need For Young Farmers | Sara Dent

    In this episode we sit down with Sara Dent, co-founder of Young Agrarians, a Canada-wide network supporting the next generation of ecological farmers. Sara shares the origin story of the movement, her early passion for farming, and the role photography and storytelling played in shaping the Young Agrarians brand. Together, they unpack the urgent need for farm renewal in Canada, address the systemic barriers to land access and funding, and explore creative solutions like land trusts, incubator farms, and micro-loans. Sara emphasizes the human dimension of farming, arguing that technology alone can’t save the food system. She also speaks candidly about the emotional and psychological toll of farming and the importance of community, mental health, and scale-appropriate agriculture. From personal stories to policy insights, this episode paints a compelling picture of what it takes to grow not just food—but farmers. Young Agrarians: https://youngagrarians.org/  Timestamps [0:00] Intro [2:07] Meet Sara Dent and the origins of Young Agrarians [7:12] Making farming “cool”: early branding and Flickr storytelling [13:14] What is Young Agrarians and who they serve [8:41] Canada’s urgent farmer shortage and Quebec’s leadership in farm renewal [14:29] Why the human connection to land still matters [23:14] Land access, market failure, and the challenge of farm succession [36:23] Top-down vs grassroots change: what it really takes [41:21] Land trusts, incubator farms, and alternate ownership models [51:10] Growing farmers: from farm-curious to farm business owners [1:04:04] The policy shift and scaling Young Agrarians across Canada [1:24:04] Success stories and feedback from the farming community [1:26:54] Envisioning the future: farm renewal, local food, and climate adaptation [1:35:27] Rapid fire Q&A and closing reflections Sponsors Tessier: Use promo code MGI10 for 10% off and free shipping on your first purchase for the Eastern North American regions  Johnny’s Selected Seeds: Sign up for Johnny’s newsletter to receive the latest news, products, and more. New members get $10 off their next order of $50 or more! BCS: Visit their website for current sales and promotions. New Society Publishing: Use code market25 for 25% off all books Links/Resources Market Gardener Institute:  https://themarketgardener.com  Masterclass:  https://themarketgardener.com/courses/the-market-gardener-masterclass  Newsletter:  https://themarketgardener.com/newsletter Blog:  https://themarketgardener.com/blog  Books: https://themarketgardener.com/books Growers & Co: https://growers.co Heirloom: https://heirloom.ag/ The Old Mill: https://www.espaceoldmill.com/en/ Follow Us Website: http://themarketgardener.com  Facebook: http://facebook.com/marketgardenerinstitute  Instagram: http://instagram.com/themarketgardeners  Guest Social Media Links Website: https://youngagrarians.org/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/youngagrarians/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/YoungAgrarians  Linkedin: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/sara-dent-29957324  JM: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeanmartinfortierFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/jeanmartinfortier

    1h 50m
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About

Welcome to The Market Gardener Podcast! Join hosts JM Fortier and Chris Moran as they engage with influential members of the global small-scale farming and organic regenerative agriculture community. Our podcast is your gateway to insightful conversations about farming, food, small businesses, and thought leadership in the world of sustainable agriculture. We're here to shine a positive light on the practices and principles that drive small-scale farming, agroecology, and community building. Tune in for high-level discussions that inspire and empower a new era of positive farming.

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