The Market Gardener Podcast

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

    11H AGO

    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
  2. 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
  3. 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
  4. 30: Does Our Food System Need A Reboot? | Healing Our Food System with Dave Chapman

    MAY 29

    30: Does Our Food System Need A Reboot? | Healing Our Food System with Dave Chapman

    In this episode, we speak with Dave Chapman, co-founder of the Real Organic Project, about the political and ecological crossroads facing the organic food movement. Dave reflects on the industrial takeover of the USDA organic label and why he believes decentralization—not scaling—is key to meaningful change. The conversation explores the deep ties between soil health, human health, and corporate power, questioning whether collapse is necessary for real transformation. Dave also shares insights from past guests on climate, culture, and the true meaning of sustainability. The episode wraps with a rapid-fire Q&A, touching on books, bread, and the surprising food that might just help us trust our taste buds again. Sponsors Tessier: Use promo code MGI10 for 10% off and free shipping on your first purchase for the Eastern North American regions. Farmhand: CSA farmers can set up a complimentary 1:1 strategy session with founder Ari. BelSerre: Contact Belserre at 819-816-4620 to discuss your next project. Servicing Quebec & Ontario.  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! Timestamps [0:00] Intro [3:09] The origins of the Real Organic Project [11:37] Why revisit the 1970s counterculture today? [23:12] Politics enters the food conversation [33:45] Human health and the need for real food [50:28] Decentralization as the key to food system change [1:04:12] Origins of organic and how it became political [1:40:09] Nutritional dark matter and industrial farming [1:52:11] Environmental health and climate impacts [2:00:06] Gluten, gut health, and heritage grains [2:03:00] Agriculture as a social and cultural movement [2:07:10] Rapid fire Q&A and closing reflections 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 Website Podcast Instagram Facebook Youtube JM: Instagram Facebook

    2h 21m
  5. 29: Cheap Food Is a Lie: Why Nutrient Density Is the Future of Farming | Kish Johnson

    MAY 15

    29: Cheap Food Is a Lie: Why Nutrient Density Is the Future of Farming | Kish Johnson

    In this episode we speak with Kish Johnson from Advancing Eco Agriculture about how data-driven tools like SAP analysis and foliar sprays are transforming regenerative farming. Kish shares how farms are eliminating pests and diseases through optimized plant nutrition and improved photosynthesis. The conversation dives into the connection between soil biology, profitability, and nutrient density. Kish also addresses skepticism around ag “products” and offers a humble, science-based approach to farm improvement. The episode wraps with news of a research partnership between AEA and the Market Gardener Institute to adapt these tools for small-scale growers. Sponsors Tessier: Use promo code MGI10 for 10% off and free shipping on your first purchase for the Eastern North American regions Farmhand: CSA farmers can set up a complimentary 1:1 strategy session with founder Ari at Timestamps [8:37] The hopeful message of regenerative agriculture [12:17] Understanding the economic “J curve” in farming transitions [19:08] What Advancing Eco Agriculture (AEA) actually does for farmers [24:23] Fighting orchard disease with SAP analysis [27:17] Why SAP analysis is like a blood test for plants [31:04] The power of foliar sprays for nutrient uptake [43:27] Increasing photosynthesis for crop resilience and yield [48:23] Nutrient corrections that boost photosynthesis [52:01] The role of seed inoculants and microbial colonization [1:04:16] Insect pressure and the myth of “holes mean healthy” [1:06:00] How protein synthesis deters aphids [1:13:47] Giving farmers real decision-making power through data [1:21:04] Collaboration between AEA and the Market Gardener Institute [1:28:58] Making nutrient density measurable and marketable [1:33:59] “There’s no such thing as cheap food” – nutrient density and health [1:36:20] The most common global farming issue Kish observes 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 Advancing Eco Agriculture: Website: https://advancingecoag.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/advancingecoag/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/advancingecoag/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRApdrU3BA0Pzo6MNWTD2jg Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/advancingecoag Podcast: https://regenerativeagriculturepodcast.com/  JM: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeanmartinfortierFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/jeanmartinfortier

    1h 54m
  6. 28: $380k On 1.5 Acres Of Flowers! Meet The Woman Revolutionizing Flower Farming | Chloé Roy Floramama

    FEB 20

    28: $380k On 1.5 Acres Of Flowers! Meet The Woman Revolutionizing Flower Farming | Chloé Roy Floramama

    In this episode, we sit down withChloé Roy, seasoned flower farmer, teacher at the Market Gardener Institute, and author of a new book on flower farming. She shares her journey from vegetable farming to building Floramama, a thriving flower farm, and the lessons learned along the way. Chloé discusses the business side of flower farming and sheds light on the hidden environmental and ethical costs of conventional flowers and why local flower farms are part of a growing movement. Chloé also reflects on scaling back production, prioritizing work-life balance, and her dream of documenting a world tour of flower farms. Whether you're a market gardener or a flower enthusiast, this episode is full of insights to help you grow flowers more profitably and sustainably. PLEASE make sure to subscribe to the podcast, download our episodes, and rate them! Your support means the world to us. Thank you! Join The Flower Farm Online Course and take your flower farm to the next level! Next cohort coming March 2025. Timestamps [06:40] The hidden costs of the conventional flower industry and why local flowers matter [12:12] The rise of the small flower farm movement [18:51] Applying bio-intensive market gardening to flower farming [27:15] Challenges in growing Lisianthus and Ranunculus – Trial, error, and success [32:40] Pricing flowers correctly and educating customers on their value [39:24] Market strategies – Selling at farmers' markets, CSAs, and to florists [45:08] Scaling up to a $380K farm operation – Managing a team and business growth [51:22] Scaling back – Shifting focus to seed and bulb production [56:10] Chloé’s dream – A world tour documenting flower farms [1:10:54] Lessons in business planning and work-life balance [1:24:19] Advice for new flower farmers[1:41:07] Rapid fire Q&A Sponsors Tessierhttps://info.serres-guytessier.com/en/tessier-mgi10?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Tessier+MGI+podcast 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 https://bootstrapfarmer.com/marketgardenerpodcast 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 Floramama: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/floramamafermeflorale  Website: https://www.floramama.ca/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/floramama  JM: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeanmartinfortierFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/jeanmartinfortier

    1h 54m
  7. 27: $200K Revenue On Just 1 Acre! How They Built A Profitable Small Farm | Doug Wolcik & Kayleigh Boyle Breadseed Farm

    FEB 13

    27: $200K Revenue On Just 1 Acre! How They Built A Profitable Small Farm | Doug Wolcik & Kayleigh Boyle Breadseed Farm

    In this episode, we sit down with Doug and Kayleigh fromBreadseed Farm, who share their inspiring journey of leaving salaried farm management positions tostart their own one-acre, no-till, human-powered farmin Vermont. They open up about the challenges and rewards ofmaking the leap to farm ownership, including thefear of financial instability and the excitement ofbuilding something from the ground up. We discuss the realities ofmaking a living as small-scale farmers, how they grew their farm to nearly$200K in revenue in just a few years, and the importance of creatingefficient systems to maximize productivity. PLEASE make sure tosubscribe to the podcast,downloadour episodes, andrate them! Your support means the world to us. Thank you! Timestamps [10:47] Leaving salaried farm management to start their own farm [15:17] Acquiring land and starting Breadseed Farm during COVID [20:51] HowThe Market Gardener book inspired their no-till transition [26:25] Managing a farm crew: Lessons in communication and efficiency [30:40] The importance of community engagement and on-farm experiences [38:06] Breaking into farmers markets and building strong sales channels [44:12] Why community-driven markets drive farm success [50:15] Balancing work-life and avoiding burnout as farmers [58:39] Expanding revenue streams: Flowers, CSA, and microgreens [1:06:04] Greenhouse production and extending the growing season [1:14:13] The financial impact of selling flowers and value-added products [1:21:21] Kayleigh’s wreath-making and value-added farm products [1:36:24] Rapid Fire Q&A - East Of Edenby John Steinbeck &The Orchard by Adele Crockett Robertson Sponsors Tessierhttps://info.serres-guytessier.com/en/tessier-mgi10?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Tessier+MGI+podcast 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).  Bootstraphttps://bootstrapfarmer.com/marketgardenerpodcast  Growershttps://growers.co/?utm_source=ijm&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=season2 Use promocode PODCAST for 15% off clothing and accessories. Market Gardener Institutehttps://themarketgardener.com/courses/the-market-gardener-masterclass/?utm_medium=podcast&utm_source=apple-spotify&utm_campaign=saison2 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 Breadseed Farm: Website:www.breadseedfarm.com Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/breadseedfarm/ Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/breadseedfarm/  JM: Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/jeanmartinfortier Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/jeanmartinfortier

    2h 1m
  8. 26: Seed Farming & Growing Your Own Seeds With Master Grower | Dan Brisebois

    FEB 6

    26: Seed Farming & Growing Your Own Seeds With Master Grower | Dan Brisebois

    This week we chat with Dan Brisebois from Tourne-Sol Farm about the importance of seed saving for market gardeners. Dan shares his journey from agricultural engineering to co-founding a thriving worker co-op farm that balances vegetable production with a successful seed business. We explore the practicalities of growing your own seeds, debunk myths about cross-pollination, and discuss how seed saving can boost resilience and profitability. Dan also highlights the benefits of cooperative farming for work-life balance and introduces his new book, The Seed Farmer, a hands-on guide to seed production. The Seed Farmer by Dan Brisebois. Get the book and start growing and saving your own seeds this farming season! PLEASE make sure to subscribe to the podcast, download our episodes, and rate them! Your support means the world to us. Thank you! Sponsors Tessier Use promo code MGI10 for 10% off and free shipping on your first purchase. Applicable for the Eastern North American regions (Ontario, the Maritimes, and the states of Vermont, Maine, New York, and New Hampshire).  http://bit.ly/3EAehQN New Society Publishing Use code market25 for 25% off all books. Heirloom  Limited time offer of 20% off yearly subscription and use promo code PODCAST to get an extra month of free trial. Market Gardener Institute Limited time offer of $99 USD on our online course Introduction To Organic Farming. www.themarketgardener.com/introduction  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 Dan: Website: https://danbrisebois.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danbrisebois.farm Tourne-Sol Farm & Seed Company: https://fermetournesol.qc.ca  JM: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeanmartinfortier Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jeanmartinfortier  Timestamps [2:21] Dan’s journey into farming and how he co-founded Tourne-Sol Farm. [5:56] Starting a cooperative farm: Challenges and lessons learned. [10:42] Is a fully self-sufficient seed farm realistic or just a dream? [15:14] Open-pollinated vs. hybrid seeds: Understanding the differences. [20:07] Managing cross-pollination anxiety and best practices. [25:32] Why market gardeners should consider growing at least some of their own seed. [30:45] The profitability of seed crops compared to vegetable crops. [35:18] Growing seed in different climates: Adapting to humidity and regional challenges. [40:04] Using greenhouses for seed production and improving quality. [45:39] How market gardeners can integrate seed saving without disrupting production. [50:51] The cooperative structure of Tourne-Sol Farm and its long-term success. [55:20] Holistic management and work-life balance in a co-op farm. [1:00:12] The realities of running a seed business: Marketing, sales, and logistics. [1:05:46] Dan’s book The Seed Farmer: Why it’s a must-read for growers. [1:10:28] The moment Dan realized he wanted to be a farmer. [1:15:14] Reflections on the future of seed sovereignty and resilient farming. [1:30:00] Rapid fire Q&A, Wheel Of Time novel series by Robert Jordan

    1h 42m
4.9
out of 5
36 Ratings

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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