40: Farming in the Land of Walmarts and McDonalds: A New Jersey Reality Check | Chris Adams

40: Farming in the Land of Walmarts and McDonalds: A New Jersey Reality Check | Chris Adams

November 27, 2025 · 1h 47m · Season 4 · Episode 40

About this episode

Chris Adams discusses the challenges and strategies of small-scale farming in densely populated New Jersey.

In this episode, we sit down with Chris Adams , New Jersey grower and founder of Eastbound Acres , to explore what it really means to be a small-scale farmer in the most densely populated state in the United States. We dive deep into the challenges of farming in a landscape dominated by suburban sprawl , fast-food chains , and skyrocketing land prices , and we explore Chris’s mission to rebuild local food awareness in a place where agriculture has all but disappeared from daily life. Chris breaks down how he built multiple farms over 13 years; why sales, not production, remain the biggest barrier for growers in his region; and how he’s using tools like Local Line, CSA credit systems, and ultra-efficient market gardening practices to build a viable business on under half an acre. Learn more about Chris’s work at Eastbound Acres: https://eastboundacres.com/ Timestamps [2:15] Farming in a densely populated and developed area. [3:29] The need for agriculture education and awareness in New Jersey. [9:57] Historical context of farmland loss in New Jersey due to urban sprawl. [12:23] Chris's journey to farming: from soil science to starting a farm from a class project. [15:20] &quot…

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