25: NOW Is The Perfect Time To Start A Small Organic Farm | JM Fortier

Author: JM Fortier
Published: Thu 30 Jan 2025
Episode Link: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-market-gardener/episodes/25-NOW-Is-The-Perfect-Time-To-Start-A-Small-Organic-Farm--JM-Fortier-e2u5jqp

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.

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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

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