The Market Gardener Podcast

In this episode, we sit down with Doug and Kayleigh from Breadseed Farm , who share their inspiring journey of leaving salaried farm management positions to start their own one-acre, no-till, human-powered farm in Vermont. They open up about the challenges and rewards of making the leap to farm ownership , including the fear of financial instability and the excitement of building something from th...

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...

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...

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 transition...

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...

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...

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 va...

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...

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 address...

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 resili...

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 fo...

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...

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 “...

Show Notes This week, JM and Chris reflect on season 1, discussing the themes and ideas that stood out for them, what they learned, what surprised them, and what is exciting them the most about the future of this movement. You’ll hear clips from each episode along with reflections, giving you a feel for each guest in case you missed any, and a birds-eye view of the themes that came up throughout t...

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.or...

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...

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 urb...

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 conversatio...

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 , th...

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 th...

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 s...

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 sh...

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...

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 belie...

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...