The Market Gardener Podcast

JM Fortier
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  • EARTH SCIENCES
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The Market Gardener Podcast

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. 18: Creating Community Through Farming, Food, & Nature | Alex Meizlish Ecolibrium Farms

    6 DAYS AGO

    18: Creating Community Through Farming, Food, & Nature | Alex Meizlish Ecolibrium Farms

    This week, we sit down with Alex Meizlish of Ecolibrium Farm, a market gardener from Seattle with a passion for building community through food. Alex shares his journey from studying science in university to teaching environmental education in the Pacific Northwest, and finally to becoming a small-scale farmer.  We explore his experiences working with chefs, the challenges of creating a resilient organic farm, and his vision for connecting people to their food through memorable culinary experiences. The conversation touches on the importance of community, the artistry of sustainable farming, and the fulfillment of reconnecting with nature. PLEASE make sure to subscribe to the podcast, download our episodes, and rate them! Your support means the world to us. Thank you! Timestamps [3:00] Discussion on growing food, personal reflections on childhood food culture. [6:05] Reflections on American food culture vs. international food cultures. [8:22] The emotional significance of food and family gatherings. [15:00] Journey from childhood gardening to farming. [25:17] Transition from outdoor education to farming and environmental awareness. [40:10] Reflections on building food culture through farming and culinary experiences. [57:20] Conversations on the culinary arts, notable food experiences. [1:03:15] Selling to chefs, discussing farm and restaurant collaborations. [1:30:00] Community, connection, and the impact of farming gatherings. [1:36:53] Rapid fire Q&A Sponsors Tessier https://info.serres-guytessier.com/en/tessier-mgi10 Use promocode MGI10 for 10% off and free shipping on your first purchase for the Eastern North American regions (Ontario, the Maritimes, and the states of Vermont, Maine, New York, and New Hampshire).  Bootstrap Farmer https://www.bootstrapfarmer.com/?utm_source=mg-jm&utm_medium=podcast  Market Gardener Institute www.themarketgardener.com/introduction  Limited time offer of $99 USD on our online course Introduction To Organic Farming. 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 Alex Meizlish: Website: https://www.ecolibriumfarms.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ecolibriumfarms/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ecolibriumfarms/  JM: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeanmartinfortier Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jeanmartinfortier

    1h 60m
  2. 17: Leaving The City To Find Health & Happiness In Organic Farming | Palisa Anderson

    NOV 14

    17: Leaving The City To Find Health & Happiness In Organic Farming | Palisa Anderson

    This week we chat with Palisa Anderson, organic farmer, author, and owner of Chat Thai restaurant in Australia. She shares her journey from city life to sustainable farming, driven by family influence and health benefits, and we discuss the challenges of running a closed-loop farm, rewilding efforts, and supplying organic produce to restaurants. The conversation highlights the fulfillment found in homesteading, cooking with fresh ingredients, and reconnecting with nature through sustainable agriculture. Please make sure to SUBSCRIBE to the podcast, DOWNLOAD our episodes, and RATE them! Your support means the world to us. Thank you! Timestamps [1:27] Guest background and early inspirations [2:18] Becoming a farmer and family background [4:00] Transition from city life to farm life [10:06] Influence of health on lifestyle choices [17:00] The importance of food sourcing and whole foods [26:36] Environmental impact and rewilding efforts [34:05] Connection to land and traditional farming methods [44:08] The restaurant business and starting a farm [51:16] Transition to organic farming [1:08:26] Farm description and its unique ecosystem [1:18:08] Seasonal produce and crop cycles [1:34:10] Connecting with chefs and restaurant partnerships [1:45:04] Advocacy for agrarian food and homesteading [1:53:17] Advice on selling to restaurants [1:58:56] Rapid-fire questions on books, advice, and culinary memories Sponsors Tessier https://info.serres-guytessier.com/en/tessier-mgi10 Use promocode MGI10 for 10% off and free shipping on your first purchase for the Eastern North American regions (Ontario, the Maritimes, and the states of Vermont, Maine, New York, and New Hampshire).  Advancing Eco Ag http://advancingecoag.com/marketgarden  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  Market Gardener Institute www.themarketgardener.com/introduction  Limited time offer of $99 USD on our online course Introduction To Organic Farming. 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 Palisa Anderson: Instagram:  www.instagram.com/palisaanderson     www.instagram.com/boonluckfarmorganics    www.instagram.com/chatthai_official   JM: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeanmartinfortier Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jeanmartinfortier

    2h 9m
  3. 16: Starting A Profitable Small Farm From Scratch | Luke Sheldrick - Terramor Farm

    NOV 7

    16: Starting A Profitable Small Farm From Scratch | Luke Sheldrick - Terramor Farm

    This week we chat with Luke Sheldrick from Terramor Farm about his journey in building a thriving market garden. We tackle the challenges of parenting while starting a farm, explore the crucial role of professionalism and strategic planning in running a successful farm business, and uncover how Luke supplies over 20 restaurants with his fresh produce. We also dive into Luke’s new online course, The Crop Plan Accelerator, which will teach you how to master the essential skill of crop planning for a profitable farming venture. Succession Crop Planning Cheat Sheet! https://themarketgardener.ac-page.com/succession-crop-planning-lead-magnet-en Online Course - The Crop Plan Accelerator https://themarketgardener.com/courses/the-crop-plan-accelerator/  PLEASE make sure to subscribe to the podcast, download our episodes, and rate them! Your support means the world to us. Thank you! Timestamps [2:23] Starting the farm journey [5:07] Farm setup and expansion [11:05] Canadian Agricultural Loans Act [17:17] Farm growth and scaling [21:03] Crop selection strategy [34:10] Importance of professionalism on the farm [36:20] Delegation and team management [40:20] Hiring and building a strong team [46:21] SOPs and crop planning [52:07] Working with Heirloom crop planning app [1:14:06] Selling to restaurants [1:28:00] Future of small-scale farming [1:34:46] Rapid-fire Q&A Sponsors Tessier https://info.serres-guytessier.com/en/tessier-mgi10 Use promocode MGI10 for 10% off and free shipping on your first purchase for the Eastern North American regions (Ontario, the Maritimes, and the states of Vermont, Maine, New York, and New Hampshire).  Market Gardener Institute www.themarketgardener.com/introduction  Limited time offer of $99 USD on our online course Introduction To Organic Farming. 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 Luke Sheldrick: Website: https://terramorfarm.com/  IG: instagram.com/terramorfarm  JM: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeanmartinfortier Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jeanmartinfortier

    1h 54m
  4. 15: Pioneer Of The CSA Movement In North America | Scott Chaskey author of Soil and Spirit

    OCT 31

    15: Pioneer Of The CSA Movement In North America | Scott Chaskey author of Soil and Spirit

    This week we speak with Scott Chaskey, a farmer, poet, author, and pioneer of the CSA movement. His latest book, Soil and Spirit, explores our connection and kinship with nature through farming and storytelling. In this wide ranging conversation we explore the history of community supported agriculture (CSA) in North America, the spread of CSA’s around the world, land trusts and the concepts of “ownership” and “the commons”, and the many ways in which we are deeply connected with all living things.  Soil And Spirit by Scott Chaskey http://milkweed.org/book/soil-and-spirit  PLEASE make sure to subscribe to the podcast, download our episodes, and rate them! Your support means the world to us. Thank you! Timestamps [3:21] Shi-Yan and CSA movement in China [10:38] Origins of CSA in the US \ Quail Hill Farm [13:13] Land Trust and CSA relationship [18:45] NOT owning the farm \ concept of “the commons” in Europe [27:40] Learning to garden in England [36:26] The Quail Hill Farm CSA, one of the first in the US [54:15] Scott’s book Soil And Spirit \ Kinship with nature  [1:04:48] Hand tools \ BCS history \ Tractors [1:15:09] Current state of the CSA movement [1:26:39] The word “peasant” [1:33:39] Rivers and mountains poetry tradition / Gary Snyder poet [1:37:13] The Tree by John Fowles [1:39:10] Finding the Mother Tree by Suzanne Simard \ The Overstory by Richard Powers [1:46:54] Navajo word Hózhǫ́ [1:49:05] Community questions [1:53:32] In Paradise by Peter Matthiessen Sponsors Tessier https://info.serres-guytessier.com/en/tessier-mgi10 Use promocode MGI10 for 10% off and free shipping on your first purchase for the Eastern North American regions (Ontario, the Maritimes, and the states of Vermont, Maine, New York, and New Hampshire).  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  Market Gardener Institute www.themarketgardener.com/introduction  Limited time offer of $99 USD on our online course Introduction To Organic Farming. 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 Scott Chaskey: Website: https://www.scottchaskey.com/  IG: https://www.instagram.com/scottchaskey JM: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeanmartinfortier Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jeanmartinfortier

    2h 7m

  5. OCT 24

    14: Recap Season 1! In Case You Missed It | JM Fortier & Chris Moran

    Show Notes This week, JM and Chris reflect on season 1, discussing the themes and ideas that stood out for them, what they learned, what surprised them, and what is exciting them the most about the future of this movement. You’ll hear clips from each episode along with reflections, giving you a feel for each guest in case you missed any, and a birds-eye view of the themes that came up throughout the season.  See you in Season 2, coming October 31st! PLEASE make sure to subscribe to the podcast, download our episodes, and rate them! Your support means the world to us. Thank you! Timestamps [12:11] Rob Rock - Ep 9 [20:55] Dave Chapman - Ep 2 [30:19] Jeff Tkach - Ep 12[42:15] David McMillan - Ep 7 [48:17] Maude-Hélène Desrochers - Ep 8 [59:10] Orlane Panet - Ep 6 [1:07:17] Thierry Lison - Ep 5 [1:12:00] Stephanie Wang - Ep 3  [1:19:34] Christa Barfield - Ep 11[1:28:43] Pete Russel - Ep 4 [1:37:48] Beth Hunter - Ep 10 Book List: Break Em Up by Zephyr Teachout Barons by Austin Frerick A Wizard Of Earthsea by Ursula Le Guin The Joy Of BurnOut by Dina Glouberman Ru by Kim Thuy The Sovereign Individual by James Dale Davidson & Lord William Rees-Mogg Permaculture Design Handbook by Bill Mollison World Without End by Jean-Marc Jancovici The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz A History Of Food by Maguelonne Touissant-Samat Nothing If Not Critical: Selected Essays On Art And Artists by Robert Hughes Soil by Matthew Evans The One Straw Revolution by Masanobu Fukuoka Collaborating With The Enemy by Adam Kahane Bridge To Terabithea by Katherine Paterson The Monk Who Sold His Ferarri by Robin Sharma Sponsors Market Gardener Institute https://themarketgardener.com/courses   Use promo code podcast15 for 15% off these select courses: Mastering Greenhouse Production 8 Most Profitable Crops Season Extension Strategies Market Gardening & Organic Farming for Beginners Winter Farming Strategies 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/jeanmartinfortier Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jeanmartinfortier

    2 hr

  6. JUL 18 · BONUS

    13: Episode Swap! Real Organic Podcast w/ Dave Chapman & Jean-Martin Fortier

    This week we're sharing with you an episode of 'The Real Organic Podcast' in which JM sits down with Dave Chapman to discuss the potential of promoting a replicable, decentralized food and farming system that relies on people building relationships with both land and community, by engaging their powers of observation and connection. Real Organic Podcast: https://realorganicproject.org/get-educated/podcasts/ Real Organic Project: https://realorganicproject.org/  PLEASE make sure to subscribe to the podcast, download our episodes, and rate them! Your support means the world to us. Thank you! Sponsors Bootstrap Farmer https://www.bootstrapfarmer.com/?utm_source=mg-jm&utm_medium=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 Real Organic Project: Website: https://realorganicproject.org/ Podcast: https://realorganicproject.org/get-educated/podcasts/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/realorganicproject/ Twitter (X): https://twitter.com/realorganicproj Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realorganicproject/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/real-organic-project  JM: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeanmartinfortier Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jeanmartinfortier

    1h 15m
  7. 12: Does Human Health Start In The Soil? | Jeff Tkach CEO Rodale Institute

    JUL 11

    12: Does Human Health Start In The Soil? | Jeff Tkach CEO Rodale Institute

    This week, we chat with Jeff Tkach, CEO of the Rodale Institute, the global leader in regenerative organic agriculture. For over 75 years, the Rodale Institute has been at the forefront of organic agriculture research and education, guided by the belief that healthy soil = healthy food = healthy humans. In this wide-ranging conversation, we explore how Jeff brings his own passion for health into his role as CEO, discuss the 40+ years of research comparing organic and conventional agriculture at Rodale, delve into the concept that healthcare truly begins in the soil, and examine the cultural shift that is drawing more people back to the land. PLEASE make sure to subscribe to the podcast, download our episodes, and rate them! Your support means the world to us. Thank you! Timestamps [4:01] History of Rodale Institute - J.I. Rodale story - Land Grant system [16:41] Jeff's past health problems and how it led him to farming [28:05] Healthcare to farming connection - Doctors conference on a farm [38:26] Research comparing organic to conventional ag - Nutrient density of food [49:56] "Regenerative Organic" and Rodale's ROC certification [55:58] Transitioning from conventional to organic - Rodale's consultancy program & farmer training [1:03:05] Cultural shift of people going back to the land - Food has energy and meaning [1:13:20] Food as medicine - meal at the Old Mill [1:22:54] Critics of organic farming and how they misuse science [1:29:32] "The earth is healing us, not the other way around." [1:34:09] Jeff's "ikigai" (reason for getting out of bed in the morning) [1:37:43] The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari by Robin Sharma [1:39:34] The miracle that is soil Sponsors Bootstrap Farmer https://www.bootstrapfarmer.com/?utm_source=mg-jm&utm_medium=podcast  New Society Publishing https://newsociety.com/ (use code smallfarm25 for 25% off all books) Tessier https://info.serres-guytessier.com/en/tessier-mgi10 Use promocode MGI10 for 10% off and free shipping on your first purchase for the Eastern North American regions (Ontario, the Maritimes, and the states of Vermont, Maine, New York, and New Hampshire). 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 Jeff Tkach (Rodale Institute): Website: https://rodaleinstitute.org/ Twitter (X): https://twitter.com/rodaleinstitute/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rodaleinstitute/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rodaleinstitute/channel/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/rodaleinstitute/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rodaleinstitute/  JM: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeanmartinfortier Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jeanmartinfortier

    1h 45m
  8. 11: Re-Introducing Farming To Urban People & Beyond | Christa Barfield 'FarmerJawn'

    JUL 4

    11: Re-Introducing Farming To Urban People & Beyond | Christa Barfield 'FarmerJawn'

    In this episode we chat with Christa Barfield, founder of FarmerJawn, a Philadelphia based farm focused on reintroducing farming into the lifestyles of underserved communities. Farmerjawn is the largest black-woman owned regenerative organic produce farm in the United States and hosts a variety of educational programs and experiences that bring healthy food and nature back into the lives of urban people. In this wide-ranging conversation we discuss the stigmatized relationship that many black & brown people have with the land and how to fix it, the power of amplifying one's voice to spread a message, how we can make healthy local food more accessible and convenient for urban people, and how agriculture is equally a part of all our lineages.  PLEASE make sure to subscribe to the podcast, download our episodes, and rate them! Your support means the world to us. Thank you! Timestamps [2:25] Agriculture is the culture [6:06] Christa's journey to agriculture started with a trip to a Caribbean island [12:49] RE-introducing farming to underserved communities [15:35] Christa's farm, education, helping black people "see themselves" in farming [35:30] Reimagining corner stores with 'CornerJawn' [46:41] Getting pushback as a black woman in farming [49:54] Winning the James Beard Leadership Award, perception/marketing/awareness [1:07:44] Land access, community gardens, marketing & branding for farmers [1:27:38] Making local food more convenient, stories behind seeds [1:32:35] Visibility and amplifying your voice, 93% of US farms are small [1:44:11] Social media gift & curse [1:50:31] Bridge To Terabithea by Katherine Paterson - reading Oscar Wilde [1:53:34] "Give me my flowers while I can still smell them" [1:58:32] Farming reality show Sponsors Bootstrap Farmer https://www.bootstrapfarmer.com/?utm_source=mg-jm&utm_medium=podcast  Ooooby https://www.ooooby.com/ (mention the podcast for 75% off onboarding fee) New Society Publishing https://newsociety.com/ (use code smallfarm25 for 25% off all books) Tessier https://info.serres-guytessier.com/en/tessier-mgi10 Use promocode MGI10 for 10% off and free shipping on your first purchase for the Eastern North American regions (Ontario, the Maritimes, and the states of Vermont, Maine, New York, and New Hampshire). 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 Christa Barfield: Instagram: http://instagram.com/farmerjawn_  Facebook: http://facebook.com/farmerjawncsa Website: https://www.farmerjawn.co/ Twitter (X): http://twitter.com/farmerjawn_ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christa-barfield-2b608486/  JM: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeanmartinfortier Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jeanmartinfortier

    2h 13m
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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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