In this episode we chat with Maude-Hélène Desroches, JM’s wife and farming partner, who has been operating their home farm, La Grelinette, by herself since 2015. Maude-Hélène not only has a wealth of knowledge and experience in small-scale organic farming but is also a committed environmentalist who believes in the power of eco-citizenship and community to shape a better future. We delve into the innovative farming methods at La Grelinette, the farm's evolution over the years, the pressing issue of overdevelopment, and the importance of rewilding spaces. Maude-Hélène also shares insights on how individual actions can create a ripple effect of positive change in the world.

PLEASE make sure to subscribe to the podcast, download our episodes, and rate them! Your support means the world to us. Thank you!

Timestamps

[1:34 ] Intro

[2:37 ] Discovering farming in the early 2000's through travel in Mexico and New Mexico

[9:41 ] Returning to Quebec, having a child and starting a farm, living in a teepee

[17:59 ] The origin of 'La Grelinette' Farm and it's evolution over time

[22:35 ] Realizing the farm was onto something, JM writing The Market Gardener

[27:49 ] Soil health, ecological practices, mulch/compost/fertilizer/plastic

[40:57 ] The future, over development, spreading of small farms, conservation

[53:17 ] Eco-citizenship

[59:53 ] Local farms' impact on communities and society

[1:07:08 ] Older and seasoned farmers inspiring the next generation

[1:12:11 ] Advice for team management, work/life balance,

[1:21:10 ] Past employees starting their own farms

[1:25:55 ] Soil by Matthew Evans

[1:28:48 ] Inspired by Eliot Coleman, visiting Frith Farm in Maine

[1:30:45 ] Personal growth through overcoming challenges

[1:35:08 ] The future of 'La Grelinette'

Sponsors

Bootstrap Farmer https://www.bootstrapfarmer.com/

Activevista https://www.activevista.com.au/

Tessier https://info.serres-guytessier.com/en/tessier-mgi10

Use 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).

Links/Resources

Market Gardener Institute:  https://themarketgardener.com/ 

Masterclass:  https://themarketgardener.com/courses/the-market-gardener-masterclass/ 

Newsletter:  https://themarketgardener.com/newsletter

Blog:  https://themarketgardener.com/blog 

Books: https://themarketgardener.com/books

Growers & Co: https://growers.co/

Heirloom: https://heirloom.ag/

The Old Mill: https://www.espaceoldmill.com/en/

Follow Us

Website: http://themarketgardener.com

Facebook: http://facebook.com/marketgardenerinstitute 

Instagram: http://instagram.com/themarketgardeners

Guest Social Media Links

Maude-Hélène:

Website: https://lagrelinette.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LesJardinsdelaGrelinette/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/la_grelinette/

JM:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeanmartinfortier

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jeanmartinfortier