Advertise on podcast: The Market Gardener Podcast

In this solo episode, Jean-Martin Fortier breaks down the five critical mistakes that new market gardeners make and explains how to avoid them. Addressing common traps, he advises against working seven days a week, dogmatically trying to avoid debt, and overpaying for ideal land views. He further stresses the necessity of mastering proven, standardized growing techniques instead of winging crop management. Finally, JM cautions growers against over-burdening themselves with rigid, impractical ideals such as refusing to use plastics or operating off-grid; an idealism that ultimately jeopardizes farm longevity. Timestamps  [00:00] Intro  [02:30] Acknowledging August burnout and supporting long-term growers [06:46] Reflecting on Eliot Coleman, cover crops, and long-term soil health [11:51] Introduction: 5 costly mistakes new farmers make [14:10] Mistake 1: The folly of working seven days a week without rest [24:02] Mistake 2: Trying to start a farm entirely debt-free [33:35] Mistake 3: Buying land your business model cannot afford [39:28] Mistake 4: Winging it instead of following proven growing practices [46:50] Mistake 5: Overburdening the farm with impractical idealisms Sponsors Dubois Agrinovation: ⁠Get 10% off by choosing the promo code ‘MasterClass – Jean-Martin Fortier’ when you create an account. Some exceptions apply.  ⁠New Society Publishing: ⁠Use code market25 for 25% off all books Links/Resources Start Your Market Gardener Journey Here : https://themarketgardener.com/starthere/ 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

In this episode, we sit down with Greg and Kate from Harmony Farm in Brockville, Ontario, to explore their journey of starting a multi-enterprise farm in their 50’s! They discuss how a desire for purpose and environmental responsibility led them to transition from their previous careers into managing market gardens, livestock, and maple syrup production on a 250-acre property. Kate, a psychiatrist, shares her insights on lifestyle and culinary medicine, emphasizing how ultra-processed foods drive chronic inflammation and why farmers play a vital role in public health. The group also dives into practical strategies for farm viability, including selling wood-fired pizzas at local markets and partnering with community programs to provide work opportunities. Finally, they examine the value of strong local networks, continuous learning, and how simple choices like real food can create rapid, meaningful change.  Timestamps  [0:00] Intro [05:00] Defining the role of farmers in the public health care system [10:45] The transition from city life to buying Harmony Farm in Brockville [16:15] Examining ultra-processed foods, inflammation, and culinary medicine [20:20] Partnering with "Heart Hubs" and prisons for community farming programs [25:45] The true environmental and health costs of conventional food [29:00] Finding purpose and starting a full-scale farm at age 50 [37:00] Exploring the six pillars of lifestyle medicine and nutrition [1:03:00] Rethinking public support: Farms operated like community hospitals [1:22:00] Turning extra garden produce into value-added wood-fired market pizzas [1:28:00] Essential resources: Masterclass, Heirloom software, and community support [1:45:20] Rapid fire Q&A on books, advice, and life lessons Sponsors Dubois Agrinovation:  Get 10% off by choosing the promo code ‘MasterClass – Jean-Martin Fortier’ when you create an account. Some exceptions apply.  https://duboisag.com/ Links/Resources Start Your Market Gardener Journey Here : https://themarketgardener.com/starthere/ 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 Harmony Farm: Website: https://harmonyfarms.ca/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harmony_farming  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/harmonyfarming/  JM: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeanmartinfortier Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jeanmartinfortier

In this episode, we sit down with Noah East, co-owner of Wild East Farm and founder of Small Scale Revival, to explore how human-scale design, efficient systems, and clear values create a thriving small farm. We dive into Noah’s journey from managing a high-volume 8 acre vegetable farm to co-founding a mixed enterprise farm in North Carolina, examining how human-scale farming benefits both personal well-being and soil health. Noah explains how they integrate market gardening, agroforestry, and rotational livestock without overworking or scaling beyond ideal capacity. We explore their practical strategies for small-farm viability, including balancing wholesale with retail outlets and securing long-term land access through flexible leasing. Finally, we discuss the philosophy of thrift, relational agriculture, and why cultivating life outside of work is essential for long-term sustainability.  Timestamps  [00:00] Intro  [03:10] Defining "ancestrally consistent" human-scale farming [15:00] Origins of Wild East Farm and homesteading background [17:30] Overview of the 44-acre mixed farm and livestock integration [29:00] Management roles, delegation, and preventing burnout [35:40] Systemizing micro-processes and setting work-week boundaries [42:30] Business strategy: Wholesale food hubs vs. direct retail [46:40] Financial transparency, farm earnings, and frugal living [58:10] Creative land access models and long-term lease structures [01:23:00] Applying the Wendell Berry concept of thrift to daily life [01:37:50] Relational agriculture and Small Scale Revival consulting [01:47:40] Rapid Fire: Favorite books, best advice, drums etc. Sponsors Dubois Agrinovation: Get 10% off by choosing the promo code ‘MasterClass – Jean-Martin Fortier’ when you create an account. Some exceptions apply.  New Society Publishing: Use code market25 for 25% off all books 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! https://www.johnnyseeds.com/?utm_source=MGI&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=Duo&utm_id=MGP Links/Resources Start Your Market Gardener Journey Here : https://themarketgardener.com/starthere/ 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 Noah: Website: https://www.wildeastfarm.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wildeastfarm/  Website: https://www.smallscalerevival.com/  Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@smallscalerevival  JM: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeanmartinfortier Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jeanmartinfortier

In this episode, we sit down with Abey Scaglione, author of Radical Farm and farmer at Ruckle Heritage Farm in Salt Spring Island, BC, to explore the ecological, nutritional, and ethical case for well-sourced animal foods in our food system. We dive deep into Abey’s journey from being a low-fat vegetarian and Pilates instructor in Los Angeles to managing a holistic livestock farm in British Columbia, examining why so many former vegans evolve into supporting well-managed animal husbandry once they understand real food systems. Abey reflects on the emotional complexity of raising and harvesting livestock; she deconstructs common environmental arguments against meat; and she explains the relationship between the natural carbon cycle and rotational grazing practices. We explore Abey’s homesteading experiences, from calf-sharing with dairy cows and raw milk cheese-making to the benefits of mobile chicken tractors and mob grazing for soil fertility. Finally, we discuss the economics of small-farm profitability, the shift from self-sufficiency to community sufficiency, and how consumer choices ultimately drive change in our food system.  Abey’s book Radical Farm: https://www.radicalfarmbook.com/  Timestamps  [00:00] Intro [01:40] Radical Farm book. [03:45] The former vegan arc: Unpacking animal agriculture, ethics, and maturity in food choices. [12:05] Overcoming low-fat diet trends, disordered eating, and returning to traditional real foods. [21:04] Navigating the emotional complexity of farm life and slaughtering animals. [32:17] Regrowth, bale grazing, and debunking methane myths in ruminant agriculture. [53:40] Getting started with livestock: Poultry, rotational systems, and culling layers. [01:03:00] The realities of keeping a dairy cow, calf-sharing, and the case for raw milk. [01:29:30] Farm economics, land management, and shifting from self-sufficiency to community sufficiency. [01:39:36] Rapid-fire questions: Lessons on acceptance, Bruce Springsteen, and supporting pastured pork. Sponsors Dubois Agrinovation: Get 10% off by choosing the promo code ‘MasterClass – Jean-Martin Fortier’ when you create an account. Some exceptions apply.  https://duboisag.com Links/Resources Start Your Market Gardener Journey Here  http://themarketgardener.com/starthere/?utm_medium=social&utm_source=youtube&utm_campaign=podcast-saison5 Market Gardener Institute:  https://themarketgardener.com?utm_medium=social&utm_source=youtube&utm_campaign=podcast-saison5 Masterclass:  https://themarketgardener.com/courses/the-market-gardener-masterclass/?utm_medium=social&utm_source=youtube&utm_campaign=podcast-saison5 Newsletter: https://themarketgardener.com/newsletter?utm_medium=social&utm_source=youtube&utm_campaign=podcast-saison5 Blog:  https://themarketgardener.com/blog?utm_medium=social&utm_source=youtube&utm_campaign=podcast-saison5 Books: https://themarketgardener.com/books?utm_medium=social&utm_source=youtube&utm_campaign=podcast-saison5 Growers & Co: https://growers.co/?utm_medium=social&utm_source=youtube&utm_campaign=podcast-saison5 Heirloom: https://heirloom.ag/?utm_medium=social&utm_source=youtube&utm_campaign=podcast-saison5 The Old Mill: https://www.espaceoldmill.com/en/ Follow Us Website: https://themarketgardener.com?utm_medium=social&utm_source=youtube&utm_campaign=podcast-saison5 Facebook: http://facebook.com/marketgardenerinstitute  Instagram: http://instagram.com/themarketgardeners  Guest Social Media Links Abey Scaglione: Book: https://www.radicalfarmbook.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abeyonthefarm/  Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@abeyonthefarm  Farm: https://rucklefarmsaltspringisland.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rucklefarm/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RuckleFarm#  JM: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeanmartinfortier Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jeanmartinfortier

In this episode, we sit down with Stefan Sobkowiak, permaculture educator and renowned Youtuber at The Permaculture Orchard, to explore how to design and manage holistic, diverse agricultural ecosystems. We dive deep into his guiding philosophy that “nothing beats easy,” his background in wildlife biology, and the catastrophic tent caterpillar outbreak that transformed his conventional apple orchard into a biodiversity lab. Stefan deconstructs Bill Mollison’s three phases of abundance and introduces his innovative “grocery store” design concept, explaining how grouping companion trees by harvest date completely revolutionizes the pick-your-own farm experience. The conversation highlights the powerful ecological synergies of combining perennial fruit trees with nitrogen-fixing species, annual vegetables, and pastured poultry to naturally optimize soil fertility. Finally, we discuss his playful "magic model" for farm planning, his perspective on utilizing AI as a personalized learning tutor, and how his parent’s experience during World War II instilled in him the importance of food security, resilience, and human relationships.  Timestamps  [00:00] Intro  [05:16] Reflecting on Diego Footer and the profound early community legacy of Permaculture Voices. [08:52] "Nothing beats easy" - Choosing crops based on what grows like a weed. [15:33] The side quest from wildlife biology to landscape architecture to building functional animal habitats. [20:51] Professor Caterpillar - Surviving a catastrophic monoculture harvest and shifting to permaculture design. [30:22] Simulating a volcano: Unlocking high-yielding soil dynamics through compost and basalt rock dust. [45:31] Bill Mollison’s blueprint: Replanting a diverse layout with nitrogen-fixing guilds. [56:07] Launching a low-cost nursery.  [01:08:03] Deconstructing Mollison's three phases of abundance and tracking regional seed adaptations. [01:21:25] Seasonal taste cravings and how nutrient density triggers our instinctive diet. [01:42:10] Designing the "grocery store" layout to group crops by seasonal harvest dates. [02:05:1]1 Rapid Fire Q&A: Reading Sir Albert Howard, using AI as a tutor, and generational memory. Sponsors Dubois Agrinovation:  Get 10% off by choosing the promo code ‘MasterClass – Jean-Martin Fortier’ when you create an account. Some exceptions apply.  https://duboisag.com/ Links/Resources Start Your Market Gardener Journey Here : https://themarketgardener.com/starthere/ 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 Stefan: Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/stefansobkowiak  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stefansobkowiak/  Website: https://miracle.farm/  Masterclass: https://permaculture.study/  JM: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeanmartinfortier Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jeanmartinfortier

In this solo episode, Jean-Martin Fortier reveals the ultimate secret weapon for healthy soil and high-yield market gardening: cover crops and green manures. While beginner market gardens often focus strictly on profitable cash crops, long-term farm sustainability and profitability depend on embedding cover crop systems directly into seasonal crop rotations. Jean-Martin explains how standard cover crops eliminate erosion by protecting bare winter soils, while legume-rich green manures supercharge on-farm fertility by injecting nitrogen and building massive subsoil root networks. He breaks down his practical, low-machinery techniques for terminating cover crops on permanent beds and you’ll discover how hitting the "golden ratio" of keeping one-third of your garden in cover crop at all times can drastically reduce external fertilizer inputs and unlock deep, long-term soil ecology. Timestamps  [00:00] Intro and the importance of multiplying small, localized farms. [04:35] Why cover crops are the underutilized secret weapon of market gardening. [05:53] Two fundamental pillars for long-term farm success: Crop rotation and cover crop programs. [07:53] Protecting bare winter soils from leaching and weather degradation. [08:51] The difference between standard cover crops and legume-rich, nitrogen-fixing green manures. [11:18] How to schedule dynamic cover crop successions between your regular cash crops. [14:51] The "golden ratio": Keeping one-third of your garden in cover crops at all times. [17:43] Step-by-step technical guide to terminating cover crops using a flail mower. [19:09] Using a walk-behind rotary plow and silage tarps for rapid residue digestion. [26:09] Advanced strategies to supercharge growth: Pre-planting broadforking, seed inoculation, and tactical manure application. Dubois Agrinovation: Get 10% off by choosing the promo code ‘MasterClass – Jean-Martin Fortier’ when you create an account. Some exceptions apply.  Gloco: Biodiversity, without compromise. Ecocert: Working towards a sustainable world.  Links/Resources Start Your Market Gardener Journey Here : https://themarketgardener.com/starthere/ 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

In this episode, we sit down with Elspeth Hay, Cape Cod journalist and author of Feed Us with Trees, to explore how we can solve our collective separation from nature through the power of tree crops. We dive deep into her journey from learning the “no farms, no food” mantra in childhood to the paradigm-shifting realization that our surrounding forests are actually overflowing with staple foods like acorns. Elspeth deconstructs historical narratives like the term "hunter-gatherer" and the concept of "enclosure," arguing that modern industrial farming models were built upon a violent legacy of privatizing land and erasing highly managed indigenous food systems. The conversation highlights how traditional communities managed ecological resources collectively through the "Commons" and specific cultural rituals. Finally, we discuss how local communities can reverse the "shifting baseline syndrome," her advice on cultivating ecological joy and rituals for the next generation, and her vision of a future rooted in regional food resilience and connection to community and place.  Elspeth’s book, Feed Us with Trees: https://newsociety.com/book/feed-us-with-trees Timestamps  [00:00] Intro - Acorns are a human food! [03:09] Reflecting on a childhood feeling of being separate from the natural world. [10:51] Deconstructing the term "hunter-gatherer" and rethinking evolutionary food stories. [12:22] Learning about traditional indigenous forest management and the sophisticated uses of cultural fire. [19:56] Explaining the violent legacy of the historical "enclosure" movement and land privatization. [34:40] Analyzing how the intentional destruction of indigenous food systems won historical wars. [45:32] Parallels between changing Cape Cod fisheries and regional nut co-op resilience networks. [49:57] Replacing the concept of "nature" with the "living world" through the lens of fire-dependent Oak Savannas. [59:26] Exploring the deeply embedded concept of the Commons versus modern private property. [1:10:09] Painting a picture of a thriving utopian future driven by rural ecosystem tending and food networks. [1:19:31] The technical mechanics of processing water-soluble bitter tannins for acorn flour and oils. [1:44:52] Rapid-fire questions on formative books, career advice, empathy, and weaving willow baskets Sponsors Dubois Agrinovation:  Get 10% off by choosing the promo code ‘MasterClass – Jean-Martin Fortier’ when you create an account. Some exceptions apply.  https://duboisag.com/ New Society Publishing: Use code market25 for 25% off all books. https://newsociety.com Start Your Market Gardener Journey Here:  https://themarketgardener.com/starthere/ Links/Resources Start Your Market Gardener Journey Here : https://themarketgardener.com/starthere/ 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 Elspeth Hay: Book: https://newsociety.com/book/feed-us-with-trees  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elspethhay  JM: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeanmartinfortier Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jeanmartinfortier

In this episode, we sit down with Sam Knapp, an Alaskan grower and author of Beyond the Root Cellar, to explore what it means to solve the biggest gaping hole in the local food system: winter food security. We dive deep into his journey from chemical engineering and a formative Fulbright grant in Sweden to establishing a successful, low-overhead storage crop farm in Fairbanks, Alaska. We highlight how Sam built a highly viable business on 1 acre by focusing on low-maintenance root crops like parsnips and utilizing efficient, manual systems instead of heavy machinery. Sam breaks down the structural design of his self-built cold storage facility, tips for managing humidity with Inkbird sensors and thermostats, and the reality of fighting thermal mass in the ground. Finally, we discuss how local growers can build predictable, highly profitable “off-season” revenue, his advice on avoiding the "YouTube Academy" trap by finding mentors, and his ultimate mission to democratize cold storage for local communities. Sam’s book: Beyond The Root Cellar Timestamps  [00:00] Intro. [03:34] Shifting local foods from a summer novelty to reliable winter staples. [07:47] Pivoting from a PhD engineering track to an intense physical farm season in Sweden. [17:43] Arriving in Fairbanks and integrating into a resilient community of transplants. [25:03] Operating an off-grid farm through extreme sub-zero winter temperatures. [36:19] Designing a low-maintenance, part-time farm layout to balance summer field research. [46:13] Breaking down the real economics, gross revenues, and net profits of a 1 acre farm. [55:04] Debunking tractor dependency and utilizing manual tools for market gardening. [01:00:22] Structural mechanics of modern root cellars vs. traditional root cellars. [01:23:46] Utilizing residential cooling units and custom micro-environments to preserve crops cleanly. [01:47:47] Rapid fire Q&A, books, fitness and wellness, and traditional dance. Sponsors Dubois Agrinovation:  Get 10% off by choosing the promo code ‘MasterClass – Jean-Martin Fortier’ when you create an account. Some exceptions apply.  https://duboisag.com/ 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! https://www.johnnyseeds.com/ Start Your Market Gardener Journey Here:  https://themarketgardener.com/starthere/ Links/Resources Start Your Market Gardener Journey Here : https://themarketgardener.com/starthere/ 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 Sam Knapp: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/offbeetalaska/ JM: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeanmartinfortierFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/jeanmartinfortier

In this heartfelt episode, we sit down with Caroline Hahm, chef at Di An DI restaurant in Brooklyn NY, to explore the beautiful intersection of professional kitchens and sustainable farming. We dive into her journey from leaving Cornell to working in fashion, and explore how the documentary Food Inc. and her grandmother’s garden entirely reshaped her worldview. Caroline shares her tumultuous journey of learning her craft from scratch, discovering farming along the way, and how she ultimately ended up as a culinary leader. She breaks down the economic realities of sourcing ethically for Asian cuisine, paying farmers full price, and subverting toxic kitchen cultures through mindful leadership. Finally, we discuss her guiding mission to live a life of service and her dream of building a hospitality space tied directly to its own market garden. Timestamps  [00:00] Intro. [02:08] Reflecting on dinner at the Old Mill. [08:12] Suburban childhood mentalities and shifting views on gardening. [14:51] Leaving university to pursue volunteer work and experiencing true poverty. [22:05] Transitioning into the fashion industry before Food Inc. changed everything. [27:42] Tending soil later in life and reconnecting with traditional Korean side dishes. [36:56] Volunteering at a rooftop farm and getting an unexpected start as a line cook. [44:06] Reflecting on the intense physical toll and toxic culture of professional kitchens. [51:34] Training under a wild Quebecois mentor and discovering new flavor pairings. [01:05:44] Pursuing nose-to-tail butchery, urban farming, and handling intense press reviews. [01:34:21] Analyzing the economic realities and structural underpricing of ethnic cuisines. [01:50:36] Rapid fire questions on leadership, work habits, and processing grief. Sponsors:  Dubois Agrinovation:  Get 10% off by choosing the promo code ‘MasterClass – Jean-Martin Fortier’ when you create an account. Some exceptions apply.  https://duboisag.com/ Start Your Market Gardener Journey Here:  https://themarketgardener.com/starthere/ Links/Resources Start Your Market Gardener Journey Here : https://themarketgardener.com/starthere/ 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 Caroline Hahm: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carolinehahm/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/diandi.nyc/ Website: https://www.diandi.nyc/  JM: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeanmartinfortierFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/jeanmartinfortier

In this episode, Jean-Martin and Chris sit down with Jessica Paige of Adama Farm to discuss her journey from university student to first-generation regenerative farmer and influencer. Jessica explores the importance of "romanticizing" farm life, explaining how finding beauty in the intensive labor makes the work more enjoyable and sustainable, and how sharing this beauty online can inspire new young people to get into farming. She reflects on her formative apprenticeship at Frith Farm, her spiritual awakening through nature, and the empowerment of leading an all-female crew. The conversation covers the practicalities of starting a farm, from land acquisition to navigating the "year two and three" hurdles of infrastructure and irrigation. Ultimately, she highlights how a small-scale farm can become a vibrant community hub through farm-to-table dinners and shared connection to the land. Sponsors Dubois Agrinovation:  https://duboisag.com/ Growers & Co: https://growers.co Timestamps [01:30] The viral accident: Meet ‘Jessithefarmer’ from Adama Farm [02:20] Survival by magic: Why you must romanticize intensive labor [06:05] Rewriting the rules: Inside an intentional, all-female farm crew [11:38] How a university thesis sparked an unexpected spiritual awakening [16:00] From rejection to fate: The last-minute message that changed everything [28:03] Turnkey destiny: Stumbling onto a hidden 73-acre paradise by pure chance [35:12] Scorched fields and high tunnels: Navigating the chaotic trials of season one [01:07:27] Reverse nostalgia and building a community village around the long table [01:19:21] The 5-year vision: Reverse-engineering an event empire on just two acres [01:24:50] Rapid fire Q&A: Books, farm fashion, and why you can't "skip the suck" Links/Resources Start Your Market Gardener Journey Here : https://themarketgardener.com/starthere/ 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 Jessica Paige: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessithefarmer Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jessithefarmer  Website: https://adamafarm.co/  JM: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeanmartinfortierFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/jeanmartinfortier

In this solo episode, Jean-Martin Fortier celebrates his 48th birthday by reflecting on his 24-year journey as a market gardener. He revisits the foundational influence of Eliot Coleman’s The New Organic Grower, emphasizing how the "agricultural craftsmanship" of small-scale farming offers a meaningful alternative to industrial food production. The core of the episode outlines three guiding "North Stars" for the movement: reclaiming the integrity of the organic label, strengthening local food sheds to keep money in the community, and embracing seasonality as a social value. Jean-Martin argues that eating in-season from local greenhouses and root cellars creates a "good food revolution" that is impossible for industrial systems to replicate. He concludes by calling on farmers to stay rooted in their communities and fight for a food system defined by proximity, ecology, and joy. Timestamps  [0:00] Intro [04:18] Birthday reflections: 24 years of hustling, dreaming, and the "Good Food Revolution" [06:33] Current projects: Research at FQT farm and the Old Mill garden [08:58] Returning to the source: The enduring influence of Eliot Coleman’s The New Organic Grower [12:24] Trends in the movement: From the pressure to scale up to mastering the small-scale model [14:10] Agricultural Craftsmanship: Why growing food is a practice of presence, not industry [19:43] North Star #1: Reclaiming "Organic" and fighting off the dilution of the label [27:32] North Star #2: The power of locality and keeping wealth within the community [33:21] North Star #3: Seasonality as a tool for health, ethics, and community celebration [41:27] Summary: Building a future of proximity, ecology, and back-to-basics joy  Sponsors Real Organic Project: Get Involved. Get Certified. Join the movement to fight the co-opting of organic. Thinkific: Built for the Business of Learning. Activevista: Specialised Tools and Seeds for Diversified Crop and Home Growers 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

In this episode, Jean-Martin and Chris sit down with chef, restaurateur, and TV personality Chuck Hughes to explore his journey from the intense, rebellious kitchen culture of his early career to a more grounded life focused on family, purpose, and simplicity. He reflects on the evolution of food culture, emphasizing a return to local ingredients, authenticity, and respect for farmers. Chuck also opens up about the realities of restaurant life, leadership, and overcoming alcohol addiction, offering a candid look behind the scenes of the industry. Through his experiences in television and Indigenous communities across Canada, he highlights the deep connection between food, land, and tradition. Ultimately, the conversation centers on finding balance, staying true to what matters, and redefining success beyond fame and hustle. Timestamps  [02:15] Meet Chuck Hughes: chef, restaurateur, and TV personality [06:40] Early kitchen culture and the party lifestyle [11:25] Building a restaurant that stands the test of time [17:10] The evolution of food trends and cooking styles [23:45] From TV fame to real-life responsibilities [30:20] Becoming a father and redefining priorities [36:55] Leadership in the kitchen and team dynamics [43:10] Addiction, pressure, and the realities behind the scenes [50:35] Reconnecting with local food and farmers [58:20] The economics of restaurants and rising costs [01:05:10] Why good food starts with good sourcing [01:12:45] Balancing creativity with consistency in the kitchen [01:20:30] Mentorship and training the next generation of chefs [01:29:10] The role of media in shaping food culture [01:38:25] Challenges of scaling restaurants and staying authentic [01:47:50] Lessons learned from years in the industry [01:56:15] Rapid fire: advice, favorite meals, and final thoughts Sponsors Real Organic Project: Get Involved. Get Certified. Join the movement to fight the co-opting of organic. Thinkific: Built for the Business of Learning. Felco:  Get 10% off your next purchase with the code MARKET10. 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 Chuck Hughes: Website: https://www.chuckhughes.ca/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chefchuckhughes  TV Show: https://chuckfirstpeopleskitchen.com/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ChuckHughesOfficial  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChefChuckHughes/  JM: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeanmartinfortier Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jeanmartinfortier

In this episode, Jean-Martin and Chris sit down with Linley Dixon, co-director of the Real Organic Project and a farmer/soil scientist, for a deep conversation about the future of organic agriculture. Linley shares how corporate interests, hydroponic systems, and regulatory loopholes are reshaping the meaning of “organic,” and why many farmers are working to protect the integrity of the label. The discussion explores the tensions between small farms and industrial-scale organic production, the economic realities farmers face, and why grassroots action may be the most powerful path forward. Along the way, the conversation dives into soil health, common myths around no-till and regenerative practices, and the science behind resilient farming systems.  Timestamps [02:37] Meet Linley Dixon (Real Organic Project) [07:56] The hidden problems inside the organic industry [10:25] Hydroponic systems vs soil-grown organic farming [15:23] From scientist to farmer: Linley Dixon’s journey [20:14] The origin of the Real Organic Project [31:31] Why farmers are joining the Real Organic certification movement [37:10] The real cost of food: Why organic seems expensive [41:16] Corporate consolidation and power in the food system [45:25] Market saturation and the challenge for new small farms [48:11] Industrial “organic” eggs and certification loopholes [56:42] Building a farmer-led movement to protect organic [01:07:24] Organic certification: Does the label still matter? [01:17:37] Inside Linley’s greenhouse system (high-yield tomato production) [01:31:03] Soil science explained: Mycorrhizae, tillage, and no-till myths [01:47:37] Local food vs global food systems [01:53:53] Rapid fire: books, advice, and lessons from farming Sponsors Real Organic Project: Get Involved. Get Certified. Join the movement to fight the co-opting of organic. https://realorganicproject.org/ Tunnel Vision Hoops: Request a custom quote! http://tunnelvisionhoops.com | 833-886-6351 Activevista: Specialised Tools and Seeds for Diversified Crop and Home Growers https://www.activevista.com.au/  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 Linley Dixon:  Website: https://realorganicproject.org/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realorganicproject/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adobehousefarm  JM: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeanmartinfortierFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/jeanmartinfortier

In this episode, we sit down with Tara Couture, author of Radiance of the Ordinary, to explore how her farming journey has reshaped her understanding of life, death, and what it means to live with reverence. From raising and harvesting animals with deep care to questioning industrial food systems, Tara speaks about the sacred responsibility of participating directly in the cycles that feed us. Rather than speaking of “healing,” she embraces the coexistence of joy and sorrow, and the quiet hope found in small, radiant moments. We also discuss writing as a clarifying practice, the limits of social media, and the importance of real human connection. Above all, this conversation is a reminder that beauty and meaning are often found in the most ordinary parts of life. Tara's book: Radiance of the Ordinary Timestamps [2:40] Discovering Radiance of the Ordinary and returning to the land after a fractured childhood. [7:20] From vegetarianism to sacred harvest: learning from a cattleman mentor and rethinking death. [14:50] The moral weight of killing animals and the responsibility of humane, on-farm slaughter. [20:45] Death as a teacher: how mortality deepens presence and gratitude for ordinary moments. [24:00] Writing as clarity: Substack, storytelling, and resisting the noise of social media. [39:30] Grief and the calves: losing a daughter and being gently tethered back to life. [55:05] Industrial abattoirs, ethics of meat, and why participation matters. [1:08:10] Beauty, craftsmanship, and creating spaces that feel alive and rooted in place. [1:25:15] Homesteading online: comparison, illusion, and the cost of digital validation. [1:47:30] Rapid fire Q&A Sponsors Real Organic Project: Get Involved. Get Certified. Join the movement to fight the co-opting of organic. Felco:  Get 10% off your next purchase with the code MARKET10. 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 Tara Couture:  Website: https://www.slowdownfarmstead.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/slowdownfarmstead/?hl=en  Substack: https://www.slowdownfarmstead.com/     JM: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeanmartinfortier Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jeanmartinfortier

In this solo episode, Jean-Martin Fortier reflects on the emotional and ethical dimensions of small-scale farming, especially in the quieter months after a demanding season. He shares why the growing season often requires farmers to simply push through challenges, and why the off-season is the right time to revisit what was hard, both practically and emotionally. Drawing from personal experience, he explores burnout, resilience, and the importance of rest, reflection, and continuous improvement. The episode then turns toward the ethics of local agriculture and the role of human-scale, decentralized food systems in shaping a more resilient future. Jean-Martin closes by revisiting the original vision behind The Market Gardener and why farming remains a meaningful act of commitment to ecology, community, and lifestyle. Timestamps [5:12] A personal encounter that reveals burnout behind meaningful food system work. [9:05] Finishing the season exhausted, uncertain, and emotionally spent. [12:10] Why the off-season is the right moment to revisit what was hard. [17:50] Learning to live with hardship, money stress, and long-term resilience. [26:20] Shifting into winter mode and reflecting on the ethics of local agriculture. [32:05] Books and thinkers that shaped Jean-Martin’s views on local and human-scale farming. [44:55] Revisiting the conclusion of The Market Gardener and closing reflections. Sponsors Real Organic Project: Get Involved. Get Certified. Join the movement to fight the co-opting of organic. Activevista: Specialized Tools and Seeds for Diversified Crop and Home Growers Tunnel Vision Hoops: Request a custom quote! tunnelvisionhoops.com | 833-886-6351 Market Gardener Institute: Join the Masterclass waiting list today! 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