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/jeanmartinfortier
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jeanmartinfortier

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

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

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 viable and play a crucial role in strengthening local economies and food sovereignty. With a call for unity in the face of growing corporate influence and climate change challenges, this episode is a rallying cry for farmers to stay resilient, engaged, and committed to the movement.

PLEASE make sure to subscribe to the podcast, download our episodes, and rate them! Your support means the world to us. Thank you!

Timestamps

[03:22] The need for economic data on small farms

[05:01] Challenges with policy & institutional support

[08:51] Is it still realistic to start a small farm?

[13:01] Social justice & small farming

[16:06] The importance of local food systems

[19:23] The corporate threat to local food

[20:17] Ecology, community & lifestyle

[26:17] The mindset of a successful farmer

[30:40] The responsibility of experienced farmers

[33:00] The global reach of the small farm movement

[36:28] The need for farmer leadership & policy advocacy

[37:51] The CANOPY program & strengthening farmer networks

[38:46] The fragility & power of the small farming movement

[40:14] Climate change & small farms as a solution

Tessier 

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

Heirloom 

Limited time offer of 20% off yearly subscription and use promocode PODCAST to get an extra month of free trial.

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, 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 transitioning into farming without an agricultural background, the importance of following your intuition, and the value of community connections in building a sustainable urban farm. Akos also highlights the innovative ways she has maximized her small plot of land, including her creative crop planning techniques and her focus on flowers over vegetables.

PLEASE make sure to subscribe to the podcast, download our episodes, and rate them! Your support means the world to us. Thank you!

Timestamps

[0:12] Realizing the impact of small communal actions

[1:55] Introduction and masterclass announcement

[4:16] The journey from wig business to farming

[7:42] Transitioning careers: lessons from Dragons’ Den

[12:07] Life as a military family and adapting to change

[18:00] The concept of "Replanted Farm" and its meaning

[24:10] Influences from YouTube and market gardening pioneers

[31:25] Soil care and no-dig gardening methods

[40:00] Building community through farming collaborations

[47:05] Challenges and benefits of urban farming

[52:40] Raising children with a connection to nature

[1:00:40] The importance of detailed crop planning

[1:11:00] Learning to farm: embracing resources and community

[1:18:35] Overcoming internal challenges in farming

[1:26:00] Urban farming as a model for future food systems

[1:36:15] The importance of physical community presence over social media

[1:41:44] Rapid Fire Q&A

Sponsors

Tessier https://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). 

Growers https://growers.co/?utm_source=ijm&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=season2

Use promocode PODCAST for 15% off clothing and accessories.

Market Gardener Institute

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

Akos:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/re.plantedfarm 

Website: https://www.replantedfarm.ca/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/re.PlantedFarm Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/replantedfarm/ 

JM:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeanmartinfortier

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jeanmartinfortier 

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 farming methods, focusing on efficiency, flavor, and the lifecycle of plants. We dive into his philosophy of creating self-sustaining systems on the farm, his insights on working with chefs to redefine "farm-to-table," and the importance of reconnecting people with the land.

Shane highlights the value of precision in farming, his experiments with unique crops, and his belief in the "great reskilling" movement—encouraging a return to hands-on, sustainable trades. This conversation is a deep dive into the intersection of hospitality and agriculture, offering inspiration for chefs, farmers, and food enthusiasts alike.

PLEASE make sure to subscribe to the podcast, download our episodes, and rate them! Your support means the world to us. Thank you!

Timestamps

[03:29] Transitioning from fine dining to establishing a farm-to-table garden.

[07:15] Starting the garden at a Michelin-starred restaurant and earning a Green Star.

[10:10] Building a sustainable farm and experimenting with new crops.

[15:00] Understanding crop lifecycles and their applications in culinary farming.

[18:50] Developing self-regulating farm systems and animal integration.

[22:15] Challenges in learning through trial and error as a new farmer.

[26:30] Working directly with chefs to craft menus and ingredient strategies.

[31:45] Transitioning from market gardening to hospitality-driven farming.

[35:20] The importance of flavor-driven agriculture and chef collaborations.

[40:30] Learning from mistakes and adapting farm practices.

[45:50] Exploring the future of farming as a celebrated profession.

[50:10] The power of storytelling in connecting guests with farm experiences.

[55:20] Advice for farmers working with chefs and understanding their needs.

[01:00:40] Economics of running a farm for a restaurant.

[01:05:20] Joys and challenges of farming life.

[01:10:15] The "great reskilling" and its cultural significance.

[01:15:00] Final reflections on farming as a timeless and essential profession.

[01:21:10] Rapid Fire Q&A - The French Laundry by Thomas Keller

Sponsors

Tessier https://info.serres-guytessier.com/en/tessier-mgi10

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). 

Growers https://growers.co/?utm_source=ijm&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=season2

Use promocode PODCAST for 15% off clothing and accessories.

Market Gardener Institute

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

Shane:

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/pirate.produce

https://www.instagram.com/garden_pearlmorissette

https://www.instagram.com/pearlmorissette 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/restaurantpearlmorissette 

JM:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeanmartinfortier

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jeanmartinfortier 

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 the need for localized, decentralized farming systems rooted in healthy soils and human-scale operations, advocating for unity within the movement to combat the challenges posed by industrialized agriculture. 

If this episode inspires you to rethink the possibilities of small-scale farming, we invite you to take it a step further. From January 14 to 16, join our FREE and LIVE workshop Money Talks where we’ll dive into the numbers behind real farms. This practical and inspiring event will show how small farms can be both a solution and a profitable path forward.

Register here: https://themarketgardener.easywebinar.live/event-registration-jan-2025

PLEASE make sure to subscribe to the podcast, download our episodes, and rate them! Your support means the world to us. Thank you!

Timestamps

[6:40] Evolution of organic farming: From pioneers to present day

[10:09] Regenerative agriculture: The new buzzword

[13:13] Greenwashing concerns: Loosely defined standards

[15:29] Organic certification: Why it still matters

[16:49] Scale in agriculture: Localized versus industrialized

[20:24] Soil and scale: Core to sustainable farming

[22:01] Movement clarity: Avoiding manipulation and staying united

[23:28] Economic impact: Local farms as community drivers

[24:23] Workshop announcement: “Money Talks” free event in January

Sponsors

Tessier 

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). 

Market Gardener Institute⁠ 

Join the Masterclass waiting list!

Bootstrap 

https://bootstrapfarmer.com/marketgardenerpodcast

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, 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 of learning through hands-on experience and cross-disciplinary inspiration. We discuss the principles of bio-intensive farming, lean systems, and the art of balancing productivity with sustainability. This conversation explores the resilience, innovation, and passion it takes to create a farm that’s not just a livelihood but a meaningful connection to the land and community.

PLEASE make sure to subscribe to the podcast, download our episodes, and rate them! Your support means the world to us. Thank you!

Timestamps

[1:48] Turning volcanic subsoil into thriving farmland.

[5:33] Surfing as a metaphor for farming: Observation and timing.

[10:04] Building resilience through composting and soil health.

[15:27] The importance of traveling and learning from other farms.

[20:12] Lessons in bio-intensive farming and managing weed pressure.

[25:05] Lean systems: Eliminating waste and maximizing efficiency.

[33:14] Transitioning from seed production to market gardening.

[40:08] Year-round growing: Challenges and strategies for winter crops.

[50:22] Creating strong community connections through local markets.

[1:04:18] Long-term investments and scaling sustainably.

[1:15:42] The future of small-scale farming and expanding potential.

[1:24:33] Family, fitness, and finding balance in farm life.

[1:30:12] Designing farms for efficiency and reduced labor.

[1:40:45] Reflections on the global movement for sustainable farming.

[1:50:12] Rapid-fire Q&A and final thoughts on farming inspiration.

Sponsors

Tessier 

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). 

Market Gardener Institute⁠ 

Join the Masterclass waiting list!

Heirloom 

Limited time offer of 20% off yearly subscription and use promocode PODCAST to get an extra month of free trial.

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

Jodi:

Website: https://www.roebuckfarm.com/ 

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@jodiroebuckofroebuckfarm2967

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jodiroebuck

JM:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeanmartinfortier

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jeanmartinfortier 

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 prestige as wine through concepts like tastings and storytelling. We also delve into the challenges of sustainable farming and the importance of embracing beauty and culture in agriculture.

PLEASE make sure to subscribe to the podcast, download our episodes, and rate them! Your support means the world to us. Thank you!

Timestamps

[1:45] Introducing Myrtha

[4:05] Imagining farm produce as celebrated as wine

[8:00] A veggie tasting inspired by wine culture

[12:00] The concept of veggie sommeliers

[17:00] Vegetable tourism and experiences around farms

[25:00] Challenges of selling high-quality produce

[31:00] Markets, food co-ops, and consumer access to fresh produce

[43:00] Making vegetables cool and celebrated like wine

[53:00] Historical practices in winemaking and farming integration

[1:04:00] Biodynamic principles at the wine estate

[1:15:00] Artisanal versus natural wine

[1:24:00] Personal journey into farming and veggie.

[1:31:00] The case for radicchio: “Winter’s colorful crunch”

[1:40:00] Challenges facing small farms in Europe

[1:43:12] Sense of Wonder by Rachel Carson

[1:43:14] Rapid-fire Q&A

Sponsors

Tessier

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). 

Advancing Eco Agriculture

Market Gardener Institute⁠  Join the Masterclass waiting list!

Growers & Co Use promo code PODCAST for 15% off tools and accessories

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

Foradori: https://www.agricolaforadori.com/en/

Culinary Breeding Network: https://www.culinarybreedingnetwork.com/

Instagram: @agricolaforadori @myrthazierock ⁠https://www.instagram.com/agricolaforadori/

https://www.instagram.com/myrthazierock/

JM:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeanmartinfortier

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jeanmartinfortier 

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 addressing both climate and social challenges. Benjamin highlights the value of fresh, nutrient-dense produce and the potential of urban agriculture to reconnect communities with truly healthy food.

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Timestamps

[03:00] Importance of design in farming.

[04:30] Benjamin’s farming and building roots.

[07:04] Discovering permaculture design.

[10:09] Lessons from pioneers like Bob Cannard.

[12:46] Wendell Berry on perfection and humility.

[20:39] Urban farming challenges and opportunities.

[25:08] Esalen Institute: blending farming and spirituality.

[39:33] Food freshness and nutrient density.

[50:28] Key steps for regenerative ag: Reckoning, restoration, resilience.

[55:08] Tillage and soil health: timing matters.

[1:03:36] Farms as ‘refugia’ in climate change.

[1:09:18] Insights from rooftop farming projects.

[1:26:05] Designing for diversity and nature’s role.

[1:31:04] Soil microbiome and farming practices

[1:50:01] Rapid fire Q&A

[1:50:26] The Tao Of Leadership by John Heider & Tao Te Ching by Lao Tzu

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Guest Social Media Links

Benjamin:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjaminfahrer 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/farmtheroof Websites: 

https://www.topleaffarms.com/ 

https://regenorganic.org/ 

JM:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeanmartinfortier

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