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The Market Gardener PodcastAuthor: JM Fortier
Welcome to The Market Gardener Podcast! Join hosts JM Fortier and Chris Moran as they engage with influential members of the global small-scale farming and organic regenerative agriculture community. Our podcast is your gateway to insightful conversations about farming, food, small businesses, and thought leadership in the world of sustainable agriculture. We're here to shine a positive light on the practices and principles that drive small-scale farming, agroecology, and community building. Tune in for high-level discussions that inspire and empower a new era of positive farming. Language: en-ca Genres: Earth Sciences, Science Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it Trailer: |
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40: Farming in the Land of Walmarts and McDonalds: A New Jersey Reality Check | Chris Adams
Episode 40
Thursday, 27 November, 2025
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] "Food Inc." documentary as a catalyst for change.[16:58] Evolution of the farm model: transitioning from tractor-oriented to super-small market garden style.[23:00] Achieving high efficiency and streamlining labor (working three hours a week on a half-acre).[27:01] The difficulty of sales and marketing in a densely populated area and the problem with fake farm markets.[30:02] Using local line software for sales, forecasting, and streamlining the business.[41:17] Juggling the farm with a main business and the importance of setting hard boundaries.[1:28:24] Rapid fire Q&A (books, advice, failures, and the link between wrestling and farming discipline)SponsorsReal Organic Project: Get Involved. Get Certified. Join the movement to fight the co-opting of organic.Market Gardener Institute: Join the Masterclass waiting list today!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 LinksChris Adams:Website: https://www.eastboundacres.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eastboundacres Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089652433399LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-adams-a9b451382/ JM:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeanmartinfortierFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/jeanmartinfortier
