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!

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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