The Market Gardener Podcast
The Market Gardener Podcast, hosted by JM Fortier and Chris Moran, features conversations with influential members of the global small-scale farming and organic regenerative agriculture community. The podcast covers topics such as farming, food, small businesses, and thought leadership in sustainable agriculture. It aims to shine a positive light on practices and principles that drive small-scale farming, agroecology, and community building.
Episodes
53: How To Make Any Soil Amazing With Cover Crops: Grow Your Own Fertility! | JM Fortier
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
52: Why We Should Be Feeding Ourselves With TREES: Nuts, Forests, And The Future Of Food | Elspeth Hay
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 lik
51: How This Alaskan Farmer Makes 85K On JUST Storage Crops (With 49% NET!) | Sam Knapp
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
50: Why This Top New York Chef Is Dreaming Of Farming | Caroline Hahm
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 journ
49: Is Social Media Over Romanticizing Farming? (Or Is That Actually A Good Thing?) | Jessica Paige @Jessithefarmer
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 inspi
48: Eating Seasonally & Local: Why It Matters More Than Ever | JM Fortier
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
47: Celebrity Chef Chuck Hughes On The Return Of Real Food: Why Great Chefs Are Going Back To The Farm
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
46: Can 'Organic' Food Be Trusted Anymore? The Fight For The Integrity Of Organic Farming | Linley Dixon
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
45: Raising Livestock The Ethical Way: Lessons On Life & Death On The Farm | Tara Couture
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. Rat
44: When Farming Is Hard: Burnout, Doubt, and Why Our Farms Matter | JM Fortier
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,
43: The Epic Story Of Regenerative Agriculture In Patagonia: Small Farms Big Wilderness | Francisco Vio
In this episode, we sit down with Francisco Vio of ‘Huerto Cuatro Estaciones’ farm in Chile, to explore the wild world of living and farming in remote Patagonia. From early mentors in Ecuador to building an organic farm at the edge of the world, Francisco shares how beauty, land stewardship, and community have shaped his choices. The conversation weaves together farming, conservation, and the infl
42: $120K with Less Than a Quarter Acre: Rootbound Farm’s Unique Suburban Farm Business Model | Woody DeLauder
In this episode, we sit down with Woody DeLauder, founder of Rootbound Farms, a small but highly productive suburban farm based in Southern Maryland. Woody shares how he transformed his suburban lawn into a thriving, human-powered market garden that generates over $100K annually, with the help of his secret best-seller: handmade soap, all while navigating zoning restrictions, skeptical neighbors,
41: Meet Japan’s Most Famous Farmer Supplying Asia’s Top Restaurants | Yuzuru Kajiya
In this episode, we sit down with Yuzuru Kajiya, a famous farmer from Japan who supplies top-tier, three-star Michelin restaurants across Japan and Asia. Yuzuru shares his journey from touring elite French restaurants in his youth to starting his own farm focused on growing unique, exotic, and high-quality produce, a contrast to traditional Japanese farming. We explore Japanese culture and how val
40: Farming in the Land of Walmarts and McDonalds: A New Jersey Reality Check | Chris Adams
In this episode, we sit down with Chris Adams, New Jersey grower and founder of Eastbound Acres, to explore what it really means to be a small-scale farmer in the most densely populated state in the United States. We dive deep into the challenges of farming in a landscape dominated by suburban sprawl, fast-food chains, and skyrocketing land prices, and we explore Chris’s mission to rebuild local f
39: The Business Side of Farming: Lessons from The Farmer’s Office | Julia Shanks
In this episode, we sit down with Julia Shanks, consultant, teacher, and author of The Farmer’s Office, to talk about the crucial role of business acumen in small-scale farming. We dive deep into financial management practices, routine bookkeeping, using QuickBooks, and how to properly deal with debt as a small farm business owner. Julia stresses that farmers are entrepreneurs who must understand
38: Small-Scale Farming Is The Coolest Counterculture Of Our Time
In this heartfelt solo episode, Jean-Martin Fortier reflects on the idea that small-scale farming is the true counterculture of today; a colorful, creative, and deeply rooted way of life that stands in contrast to mainstream consumerism and the obsession with wealth. He explores three key pillars: culture, diversity, and resiliency, highlighting how small farms foster biodiversity, preserve tradit
37: Richard Perkins | The Art Of The Small Mixed Regenerative Farm
In this episode, we speak with Richard Perkins, farmer & educator at Ridgedale Permaculture, and author of Regenerative Agriculture, about the deeper layers of farming, culture, and meaning. Richard shares the story behind his decision to open a historic restaurant, Sillegarden, in rural Sweden as a way to reconnect people to place, food, and each other. He reflects on the role of farmers as c
36: Balancing Motherhood & Farming At The Raddest Farm Around | Jaymie Thurler of Rutabaga Ranch
In this episode we sit down with Jaymie Thurler of Rutabaga Ranch, whose colorful “punk rock” style meets old-school farming roots and new motherhood. Jaymie shares her journey of taking over a “left for dead” property and turning it into a beautiful thriving market garden, right in the community where she and her husband grew up. She details how her farm's success is tied to key initiatives, incl
35: Eliot Coleman Legendary Organic Farmer | What Is the True Meaning of Organic Farming?
In this episode, we speak with legendary organic farmer Eliot Coleman. Recorded live at the Canopy Retreat with an audience of growers, Eliot reflects on how processes—not products—hold the key to truly regenerative agriculture. He shares how his farm no longer uses external inputs and why growing your own organic matter through green manures is the path toward clean, self-sustaining fertility. El
34: Meet The Grower Behind Our Farm-To-Table Michelin Guide Restaurant | Angie Warner
In this episode, we sit down with Angie Warner, farm manager at the Old Mill and an eighth-generation farmer. Angie shares her journey from working as a pastry chef in Montreal restaurants to growing specialty crops at the Old Mill, emphasizing the value of hands-on learning and the lessons found in mistakes. She reflects on the unique challenges of farming for a restaurant’s tasting menu, explain
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 “regenerativ
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 busin
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 systemi
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 p
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. K
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
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
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 sav
25: NOW Is The Perfect Time To Start A Small Organic Farm | JM Fortier
In this solo episode, Jean-Martin Fortier takes a deep dive into the question: Is it still realistic to start a small organic farm today? Addressing both aspiring and seasoned farmers, he explores the financial viability of small-scale farming, the challenges of land access, and the shifting landscape of local food systems. JM emphasizes that, despite obstacles, small farms remain economically via
24: She Turned Her Front Yard Into A Thriving Flower Farm | Akos Asare
In this episode, we sit down with Akos Asare from Re.Planted Farm & Floral Studio, who shares her inspiring journey from running a custom wig business to becoming a suburban flower farmer. Akos reveals how the COVID-19 pandemic prompted her to pivot and embrace farming as a response to global supply chain challenges and her quest for deeper fulfillment.We discuss the challenges of transitionin
23: Farming for Michelin-Starred Restaurant Pearl Morissette | Culinary Farmer Shane Harper
This week, we speak with Shane Harper, chef-turned-farmer who combines culinary expertise with innovative farming practices to bridge the gap between the farm and the table.
Shane shares his journey from running pastry kitchens in Toronto to becoming a grower for one of Canada's premier farm-to-table restaurants. He explores how his structured approach in fine dining kitchens informed his farm
22: Organic vs Regenerative vs Small-Scale Agriculture – What's The Difference? | JM Fortier
In this solo episode, Jean-Martin Fortier dives into the evolving landscape of sustainable farming, exploring the differences and connections between organic, regenerative, and small-scale agriculture. He highlights the importance of maintaining organic certification to ensure transparency and accountability while addressing concerns about greenwashing in the regenerative movement. JM emphasizes t
21: Farming Lessons From Around The World With Master Market Gardener | Jodi Roebuck
In this episode, we dive into the world of market gardening with Jodi Roebuck, a globally inspired farmer from New Zealand. Jodi shares his journey from surfing on volcanic coastlines to building a thriving farm from compact subsoil, emphasizing soil health, composting, and efficient farming techniques. Drawing on lessons from traveling the world and visiting diverse farms, he highlights the value
20: What If Vegetables Were As Cool As Wine? Lessons From Wine Culture | Myrtha Zierock
In this episode, we explore the connection between natural wine and terroir-focused vegetables with our guest, Myrtha Zierock, a biodynamic vineyard manager turned small-scale vegetable farmer. Myrtha shares her journey of integrating diversified farming into a wine estate, emphasizing soil health, biodiversity, and the artistry of farming. Discover how vegetables can be celebrated with the same p
19: Rethinking Urban Agriculture - Regenerative & Resilient Rooftop Farms | Benjamin Fahrer
This week, we speak with Benjamin Fahrer, a permaculture designer and farmer, who combines ecological principles with innovative rooftop farm designs across cities in California.
Benjamin shares how his background in building and permaculture design shaped his vision for creating resilient food systems. We explore the importance of soil health, biodiversity, and regenerative practices in addressin
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
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
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, Th
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 “o
14: Recap Season 1! In Case You Missed It | JM Fortier & Chris Moran
Show NotesThis 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 th
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/g
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 h
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
10: From Industrial To Regenerative Agriculture, How Do We Get There? | Beth Hunter
In this episode, we chat with Beth Hunter, founder of Foodbridge, a non-profit dedicated to shifting our food and agriculture system to more regenerative and sustainable practices. Beth has been at the forefront of environmental advocacy since she co-founded the pioneering environmental organization, Equiterre, and helped create the first CSA network in Quebec in the 1990s. In this conversation, w
9: Slow Tools Pioneer And Veteran Organic Farmer | Rob Rock
In this episode we chat with Rob Rock of Pitchfork Farm in Vermont. Rob has been organic farming since 2002 and has been an innovator in the field of "slow tools", tools made for human scale, ecological farming. In this wide ranging conversation we dive deep into topics such as the role of technology in small-scale farming, community building and the importance of local business, the fut
8: The Woman Behind 'The Market Gardener' | Maude-Hélène Desroches
In this episode we chat with Maude-Hélène Desroches, JM’s wife and farming partner, who has been operating their home farm, La Grelinette, by herself since 2015. Maude-Hélène not only has a wealth of knowledge and experience in small-scale organic farming but is also a committed environmentalist who believes in the power of eco-citizenship and community to shape a better future. We delve into the
7: From World Famous Chef To Small-Scale Farmer | David McMillan
In this episode we chat with David McMillan, chef, author, and co-founder of the famous Joe Beef restaurant in Montreal. David left the restaurant business in 2021 and now resides and works on his small farm, Hayfield Farm, where he is re-discovering the ‘art of living’ in the countryside. In this wide-ranging and colorful conversation we explore the power of cooking with homegrown foods, how soci
6: Transforming Our Cities Through Urban Farming | Orlane Panet
In this episode we speak with Orlane Panet, co-founder of Microhabitat, an urban farming company creating roof top gardens in cities all around the world. We discuss urban population growth and why we need to re-imagine the cities' unused spaces and how rooftop gardens can be a gateway for city dwellers to learn about sustainability, ecological agriculture, healthy eating and more. Orlane shar
5: Permaculture Meets Market Gardening In French Polynesia | Thierry Lison
Thierry Lison is a market gardener, permaculture teacher, AND marine biologist from French Polynesia. In this episode we explore how Thierry's career in marine biology and a passion for surfing led him to focus on the devastating effects of industrial agriculture on coral reefs, and ultimately start a market garden on a tiny tropical island. His farm, Vaihuti Fresh, blends the principles of pe
4: Can Small Farms Reclaim Agriculture In The Tech Age? | Pete Russell
In this episode, we speak with Pete Russell, founder of Ooooby, an online platform helping growers to increase sales, simplify packing, and optimize deliveries. We go deep into understanding our current food system, exploring how we got here and where we are going. We explore the history of food shopping, shifting consumer behavior post-covid, innovative business models, and why Pete believes we a
3: Food Sovereignty & The Future Of Farming | Stephanie Wang
In this episode, we talk with Stephanie Wang; farmer, activist, and author. Stephanie specializes in growing Asian vegetables and creating transformed products such as kimchi on her farm Le Rizen in southern Quebec. Her passion for food sovereignty was sparked by her experiences with Via Campesina, a peasant rights organization, during her early 20s. We take a deep dive into the perils of our curr
2: The Fight To Save Organic | Dave Chapman
Show NotesIn this episode, featuring Dave Chapman from the Real Organic Project, the discussion explores the struggles and philosophical shifts within the organic farming community, especially concerning the corporate influence on organic certification standards. Dave recounts the historical context of organic farming, emphasizing its roots as a movement against conventional agricultural practices
1: Why We're All Going Back To The Land | Chris Moran And JM Fortier
In this very first episode of The Market Gardener Podcast hosts JM Fortier and Chris Moran tell their stories and discuss the importance of the small farm movement and how so many people are finding a better and more meaningful life by going back to the land. JM goes into great detail telling his story of how he got into farming and how he developed multiple businesses over the years, always with
Welcome to The Market Gardener Podcast with JM Fortier — Season 1
Welcome to The Market Gardener Podcast, your gateway to the vibrant world of organic small-scale farming. JM Fortier and Chris Moran explore the big ideas, challenges, and solutions that shape our food system. Join us and the leading voices in sustainable agriculture as we dive into insightful conversations that empower, educate, and inspire action.
