The Market Gardener Podcast

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 how Sam built a highly viable business on 1 acre by focusing on low-maintenance root crops like parsnips and utilizing efficient, manual systems instead of heavy machinery. Sam breaks down the structural design of his self-built cold storage facility, tips for managing humidity with Inkbird sensors and thermostats, and the reality of fighting thermal mass in the ground. Finally, we discuss how local growers can build predictable, highly profitable “off-season” revenue, his advice on avoiding the "YouTube Academy" trap by finding mentors, and his ultimate mission to democratize cold storage for local communities.Sam’s book: Beyond The Root CellarTimestamps [00:00] Intro.[03:34] Shifting local foods from a summer novelty to reliable winter staples.[07:47] Pivoting from a PhD engineering track to an intense physical farm season in Sweden.[17:43] Arriving in Fairbanks and integrating into a resilient community of transplants.[25:03] Operating an off-grid farm through extreme sub-zero winter temperatures.[36:19] Designing a low-maintenance, part-time farm layout to balance summer field research.[46:13] Breaking down the real economics, gross revenues, and net profits of a 1 acre farm.[55:04] Debunking tractor dependency and utilizing manual tools for market gardening.[01:00:22] Structural mechanics of modern root cellars vs. traditional root cellars.[01:23:46] Utilizing residential cooling units and custom micro-environments to preserve crops cleanly.[01:47:47] Rapid fire Q&A, books, fitness and wellness, and traditional dance.SponsorsDubois Agrinovation: Get 10% off by choosing the promo code ‘MasterClass – Jean-Martin Fortier’ when you create an account. Some exceptions apply. https://duboisag.com/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!http://www.johnnyseeds.com/Start Your Market Gardener Journey Here: https://themarketgardener.com/starthere/Links/ResourcesStart Your Market Gardener Journey Here : https://themarketgardener.com/starthere/Market 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 LinksSam Knapp:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/offbeetalaska/ JM:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeanmartinfortierFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/jeanmartinfortier

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 community builders, the dangers of seed oils and grain-based diets, and why he’s more interested in soil-building than buzzwords. The conversation dives into mentorship, the mental and emotional toll of farm life, and the joy of doing hard things with people you care about. The episode wraps with a rapid-fire Q&A touching on wild food, trauma, nutrient density, and the classic farming book he's updating for a new generation of land stewards.Sillegarden Restaurant: https://www.sillegarden.com/ Timestamps[2:14] The role of chefs and the fitness industry in changing the food system.[10:13] Richard’s journey into farming, from working in the UK to settling in Sweden.[13:07] Ridgedale Farm's functions: being a profitable farm and a learning platform for new farmers.[16:08] The role of YouTube and social media in Richard's work and documenting his journey.[29:21] The origin story of the Sillegarden restaurant and Richard's goal to create cultural experiences.[44:39] The importance of local, seasonal food and the value of old-fashioned farming methods.[1:00:44] Diet and health journey, animal-based eating and avoiding seed oils, sugar, and unfermented grains.[1:17:30] The co-opting of the word "regenerative" by big agriculture and Richard's perspective on the term.[1:24:10] P.A. Yeomans's keyline design and scale of permanence on farm planning.[1:35:30] REKO Rings model: an efficient, community-driven sales and marketing system for local food.[1:54:42] Rapid Fire: Quick questions on books, advice, and personal experiences.SponsorsTessier: Use promo code MGI10 for 10% off and free shipping on your first purchase for the Eastern North American regions https://info.serres-guytessier.com/en/tessier-mgi10?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Tessier+MGI+podcastLinks/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 LinksRichard Perkins: Website: https://www.richardperkins.co/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@regenerativeagriculture Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/richardperkins.co/?hl=en Ridgedale Farm website: https://www.ridgedalepermaculture.com/ JM:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeanmartinfortierFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/jeanmartinfortier

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. Eliot recounts his early days learning from European farmers and agrarian elders, explains the science behind plant resilience and soil biology, and issues a cautionary critique of industrial compost, seaweed, and the co-opting of terms like “regenerative.” The conversation dives into the philosophical and practical tensions between tillage and no-till farming, and the importance of rejecting guilt-based marketing in favor of science, intuition, and lived experience. The episode wraps with a call to action for the next generation of growers to resist commodification, prioritize clean food, and reclaim the agrarian wisdom that has guided organic farming for over a century.Eliot’s new book, The Self-Fed Farm: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/797560/the-self-fed-farm-and-garden-by-eliot-coleman/ Learn more about our Canopy program: https://themarketgardener.com/canopy-leadership-program/Timestamps[0:00] Intro[3:05] Jean-Martin on Eliot’s influence and legacy[6:49] How Eliot built fertile soil from spruce forest without outside compost[10:36] Learning from European organic pioneers in the 1960s[15:24] Tapping into nature vs. chasing “progress”[17:28] Root exudates, soil biology, and natural pest resistance[20:02] The radical roots of the organic movement[23:15] Why sharing knowledge became Eliot’s mission[30:59] Inside Eliot’s rare 2,500-volume organic farming library[35:02] Processes over products: the case for green manures[44:34] Eliot’s critique of the no-till trend and regenerative greenwashing[58:17] Fighting for the soul of organic through the Real Organic Project[1:04:05] Why we must fight to preserve the integrity of organic farming[1:22:31] What farming taught Eliot Coleman about life, meaning, and satisfactionSponsorsTessier: Use promo code MGI10 for 10% off and free shipping on your first purchase for the Eastern North American regions BelSerre: Contact Belserre at 819-816-4620 to discuss your next project. Servicing Quebec & Ontario. New Society Publishing: Use code market25 for 25% off all booksBCS: Visit BCS website for current sales and promotions.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.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 LinksEliot Coleman: Website: https://www.eliotbarbara.com/ Farm Website: https://www.fourseasonfarm.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fourseasonfarm/#JM:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeanmartinfortierFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/jeanmartinfortier

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 “regenerative,” emphasizing instead the need to multiply small, autonomous farms that feed local communities. He calls for collective action, not through industrial reform, but by creating a global ecosystem of interconnected growers working toward a more vibrant and sustainable food system.Timestamps[0:00] “How do you scale small scale?”[2:11] Reflections on the Canopy leadership retreat and guest speakers[5:34] Eliot Coleman’s visit and his philosophy: “Process over products”[8:03] The purpose of the Canopy program and building a global network[10:33] Jean-Martin’s evolving mission: multiplying impact beyond his farm[12:13] Organic vs. regenerative: concerns about industrial co-optation[15:35] The power of small-scale farms to feed communities[20:03] Replacing industrial food systems with local farm networks[22:48] Building ecosystems to support 100,000+ farms[26:25] Ecology, social ecology, and the forest as a metaphor for resilienceSponsorsTessier: Use promo code MGI10 for 10% off and free shipping on your first purchase for the Eastern North American regions BelSerre: Contact Belserre at 819-816-4620 to discuss your next project. Servicing Quebec & Ontario. 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 LinksJM:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeanmartinfortierFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/jeanmartinfortier

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

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

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