The Market Gardener Podcast

• 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 systemic barriers to land access and funding, and explore creative solutions like land trusts, incubator farms, and micro-loans. Sara emphasizes the human dimension of farming, arguing that technology alone can’t save the food system. She also speaks candidly about the emotional and psychological toll of farming and the importance of community, mental health, and scale-appropriate agriculture. From personal stories to policy insights, this episode paints a compelling picture of what it takes to grow not just food—but farmers.Young Agrarians: https://youngagrarians.org/ Timestamps[0:00] Intro[2:07] Meet Sara Dent and the origins of Young Agrarians[7:12] Making farming “cool”: early branding and Flickr storytelling[13:14] What is Young Agrarians and who they serve[8:41] Canada’s urgent farmer shortage and Quebec’s leadership in farm renewal[14:29] Why the human connection to land still matters[23:14] Land access, market failure, and the challenge of farm succession[36:23] Top-down vs grassroots change: what it really takes[41:21] Land trusts, incubator farms, and alternate ownership models[51:10] Growing farmers: from farm-curious to farm business owners[1:04:04] The policy shift and scaling Young Agrarians across Canada[1:24:04] Success stories and feedback from the farming community[1:26:54] Envisioning the future: farm renewal, local food, and climate adaptation[1:35:27] Rapid fire Q&A and closing reflectionsSponsorsTessier: Use promo code MGI10 for 10% off and free shipping on your first purchase for the Eastern North American regions 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!BCS: Visit their website for current sales and promotions.New Society Publishing: Use code market25 for 25% off all booksLinks/ResourcesMarket Gardener Institute:  https://themarketgardener.com Masterclass:  https://themarketgardener.com/courses/the-market-gardener-masterclass Newsletter:  https://themarketgardener.com/newsletterBlog:  https://themarketgardener.com/blog Books: https://themarketgardener.com/booksGrowers & Co: https://growers.coHeirloom: https://heirloom.ag/The Old Mill: https://www.espaceoldmill.com/en/Follow UsWebsite: http://themarketgardener.com Facebook: http://facebook.com/marketgardenerinstitute Instagram: http://instagram.com/themarketgardeners Guest Social Media LinksWebsite: https://youngagrarians.org/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/youngagrarians/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/YoungAgrarians Linkedin: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/sara-dent-29957324 JM:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeanmartinfortierFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/jeanmartinfortier

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• 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 power, questioning whether collapse is necessary for real transformation. Dave also shares insights from past guests on climate, culture, and the true meaning of sustainability. The episode wraps with a rapid-fire Q&A, touching on books, bread, and the surprising food that might just help us trust our taste buds again.SponsorsTessier: Use promo code MGI10 for 10% off and free shipping on your first purchase for the Eastern North American regions. Farmhand: CSA farmers can set up a complimentary 1:1 strategy session with founder Ari.BelSerre: Contact Belserre at 819-816-4620 to discuss your next project. Servicing Quebec & Ontario. 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!Timestamps[0:00] Intro[3:09] The origins of the Real Organic Project[11:37] Why revisit the 1970s counterculture today?[23:12] Politics enters the food conversation[33:45] Human health and the need for real food[50:28] Decentralization as the key to food system change[1:04:12] Origins of organic and how it became political[1:40:09] Nutritional dark matter and industrial farming[1:52:11] Environmental health and climate impacts[2:00:06] Gluten, gut health, and heritage grains[2:03:00] Agriculture as a social and cultural movement[2:07:10] Rapid fire Q&A and closing reflectionsLinks/ResourcesMarket Gardener Institute:  https://themarketgardener.com Masterclass:  https://themarketgardener.com/courses/the-market-gardener-masterclass Newsletter:  https://themarketgardener.com/newsletterBlog:  https://themarketgardener.com/blog Books: https://themarketgardener.com/booksGrowers & Co: https://growers.coHeirloom: https://heirloom.ag/The Old Mill: https://www.espaceoldmill.com/en/Follow UsWebsite: http://themarketgardener.com Facebook: http://facebook.com/marketgardenerinstitute Instagram: http://instagram.com/themarketgardeners WebsitePodcastInstagramFacebookYoutubeJM:InstagramFacebook

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• 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. Kish also addresses skepticism around ag “products” and offers a humble, science-based approach to farm improvement. The episode wraps with news of a research partnership between AEA and the Market Gardener Institute to adapt these tools for small-scale growers.SponsorsTessier: Use promo code MGI10 for 10% off and free shipping on your first purchase for the Eastern North American regions Farmhand: CSA farmers can set up a complimentary 1:1 strategy session with founder Ari at Timestamps[8:37] The hopeful message of regenerative agriculture[12:17] Understanding the economic “J curve” in farming transitions[19:08] What Advancing Eco Agriculture (AEA) actually does for farmers[24:23] Fighting orchard disease with SAP analysis[27:17] Why SAP analysis is like a blood test for plants[31:04] The power of foliar sprays for nutrient uptake[43:27] Increasing photosynthesis for crop resilience and yield[48:23] Nutrient corrections that boost photosynthesis[52:01] The role of seed inoculants and microbial colonization[1:04:16] Insect pressure and the myth of “holes mean healthy”[1:06:00] How protein synthesis deters aphids[1:13:47] Giving farmers real decision-making power through data[1:21:04] Collaboration between AEA and the Market Gardener Institute[1:28:58] Making nutrient density measurable and marketable[1:33:59] “There’s no such thing as cheap food” – nutrient density and health[1:36:20] The most common global farming issue Kish observesLinks/ResourcesMarket Gardener Institute:  https://themarketgardener.com/ Masterclass:  https://themarketgardener.com/courses/the-market-gardener-masterclass/ Newsletter:  https://themarketgardener.com/newsletterBlog:  https://themarketgardener.com/blog Books: https://themarketgardener.com/booksGrowers & Co: https://growers.co/Heirloom: https://heirloom.ag/The Old Mill: https://www.espaceoldmill.com/en/Follow UsWebsite: http://themarketgardener.com Facebook: http://facebook.com/marketgardenerinstitute Instagram: http://instagram.com/themarketgardeners Guest Social Media LinksAdvancing Eco Agriculture:Website: https://advancingecoag.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/advancingecoag/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/advancingecoag/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRApdrU3BA0Pzo6MNWTD2jg Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/advancingecoag Podcast: https://regenerativeagriculturepodcast.com/ JM:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeanmartinfortierFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/jeanmartinfortier

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• 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 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&ASponsorsTessierhttps://info.serres-guytessier.com/en/tessier-mgi10?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Tessier+MGI+podcastUse 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/marketgardenerpodcastMarket Gardener Institute www.themarketgardener.com/introduction  Limited time offer of $99 USD on our online course Introduction To Organic Farming.Links/ResourcesMarket Gardener Institute:  https://themarketgardener.com/ Masterclass:  https://themarketgardener.com/courses/the-market-gardener-masterclass/ Newsletter:  https://themarketgardener.com/newsletterBlog:  https://themarketgardener.com/blog Books: https://themarketgardener.com/booksGrowers & Co: https://growers.co/Heirloom: https://heirloom.ag/The Old Mill: https://www.espaceoldmill.com/en/Follow UsWebsite: http://themarketgardener.com Facebook: http://facebook.com/marketgardenerinstitute Instagram: http://instagram.com/themarketgardeners Guest Social Media LinksFloramama:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/floramamafermeflorale Website: https://www.floramama.ca/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/floramama JM:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeanmartinfortierFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/jeanmartinfortier

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• 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 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 RobertsonSponsorsTessierhttps://info.serres-guytessier.com/en/tessier-mgi10?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Tessier+MGI+podcastUse 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=season2Use 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=saison2Links/ResourcesMarket Gardener Institute: https://themarketgardener.com/ Masterclass: https://themarketgardener.com/courses/the-market-gardener-masterclass/ Newsletter: https://themarketgardener.com/newsletterBlog: https://themarketgardener.com/blog Books:https://themarketgardener.com/booksGrowers & Co:https://growers.co/Heirloom:https://heirloom.ag/The Old Mill:https://www.espaceoldmill.com/en/Follow UsWebsite:http://themarketgardener.com Facebook:http://facebook.com/marketgardenerinstitute Instagram:http://instagram.com/themarketgardeners Guest Social Media LinksBreadseed Farm:Website:www.breadseedfarm.comInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/breadseedfarm/Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/breadseedfarm/ JM:Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/jeanmartinfortierFacebook:https://www.facebook.com/jeanmartinfortier

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