A Pioneering Leadership Program in Small-Scale Agriculture

Ready to be the change-
maker our world needs?

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For so many years, we’ve heard members of our community calling for stronger support around the real work of farming, the kind rooted in soil and people.

They’ve asked for a space to slow down and think clearly. To grow their ventures with intention. To explore what it means to step into greater responsibility, not alone, but alongside others asking the same questions.

We’ve listened and are happy
to present CANOPY

CANOPY is an advanced leadership retreat created by Jean-Martin Fortier. Designed for experienced professionals in small-scale agriculture, it brings together farmers, consultants, and entrepreneurs ready to expand their leadership, strengthen their ventures, and shape the future of their work.

A first of its kind 3-month Leadership Certification Program

CANOPY begins with an immersive retreat and continues with three focused online sessions spread across three months. You’ll implement a self-designed 90-day action plan supported through targeted check-ins and peer dialogue.

The work happens in the real world — between sessions.

Farming demands more than technical skill. It requires clear thinking, strong structure, and responsible leadership.

What You Step Into at Canopy

Strategic Leadership

Move beyond managing tasks and start leading with intention. Sharpen your judgment, clarify your direction, and guide teams and initiatives with confidence.

Entrepreneurial Direction

Clarify your positioning, pricing, and revenue streams so your expertise grows into something structured and sustainable.

Organizational Strength

Build structures that don’t depend on you for everything. Clarify roles, strengthen accountability, and create systems that support growth without unnecessary strain.

A Network
That Lasts

Join a small group of experienced professionals in agriculture. Have honest conversations, exchange real insight, and leave with relationships you can rely on long after the program ends.

Canopy is for those ready to take the leap

This isn’t just another program—it’s a turning point. Canopy is for trailblazers ready to make bold moves, expand their impact, and step into leadership. It’s for those who want to be surrounded by a powerful network of like-minded peers, where ideas spark, opportunities magnetize, and careers transform. If you’re ready for thoughtful challenge and meaningful growth, this is where that next step begins.

Experienced
Farm Owners:

Ideal for those running small-scale farms and interested in starting farm schools to educate others.

Agricultural
Consultants:

Suitable for current or aspiring consultants focused on enhancing the business success of farms.

Agricultural
Educators:

Perfect for teachers at established agricultural schools looking to deepen their expertise.

Community
Visionaries:

Designed for individuals eager to make a significant impact and uplift their communities through sustainable practices.

This program is NOT for you if:

You’re just beginning your journey in organic agriculture and still need to master the basics.
You’re not ready to invest in yourself and take the next step in your career.
You have no interest in connecting with global leaders who could unlock game-changing opportunities.

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Canopy is designed as an immersive, focused space for serious work. It creates room for reflection, structured dialogue, and honest conversation away from daily operations.

At the conclusion of the program, you will receive CANOPY certification recognizing your leadership in regenerative farming.

Next cohort: June 9-11, 2026

Be the first to know!

Join the waiting list now for the next CANOPY cohort and secure your spot for an exclusive opportunity to grow with us.

in-person retreat

Kick start the program & create connection

Join us for a meticulously curated 3-day retreat at the Old Mill farm, in Quebec, Canada, a vibrant agricultural hub.

what’s included:

Accommodation & Dining:

4 nights in a single-occupancy room with all meals included

Mentorship:

Retreat hosted by the world-renowned Jean-Martin Fortier and a panel of experts carefully selected

Activities:

Engaging conferences, workshops, roundtables led by industry experts and exclusive farm tours

Resources:

Access to all courses from the Market Gardener Institute library, including its premium course the Market Gardener Masterclass.

ACCOMMODATION & DINING: 4 nights in a single-occupancy room with all meals included

MENTORSHIP: Retreat hosted by the world-renowned Jean-Martin Fortier and a panel of experts carefully selected

ACTIVITIES: Engaging conferences, workshops, roundtables led by industry experts and exclusive farm tours

RESOURCES: Access to all courses from the Market Gardener Institute library, including its premium course the Market Gardener Masterclass.

The 3-Month Follow-Through

Continued Leadership Support

Following the retreat, the work continues over three months through three focused online sessions.

These sessions are not lectures. They are structured check-ins designed to support the implementation of your self-designed 90-day plan.

what to expect:

CHECK-INS

Focused conversations to review progress, challenges, and decisions in real time.

CO-DEVELOPMENT

Small-group dialogue to sharpen thinking and refine next steps.

STRATEGIC REVIEW

A final session to consolidate learning and clarify your path forward.

CHECK-INS: Focused conversations to review progress, challenges, and decisions in real time.

CO-DEVELOPMENT: Small-group dialogue to sharpen thinking and refine next steps.

STRATEGIC REVIEW: A final session to consolidate learning and clarify your path forward.

Limited places available.

Canopy is designed for experienced growers and consultants serious in their commitment to reimagining the future of our agriculture.
The certification program is an investment in yourself and your business, and only serious applications will be retained.

GUIDED BY EXCELLENCE: THE CANOPY EXPERTS TEAM

Hosted by JM Fortier

Renowned globally for his pioneering work in organic farming, JM Fortier serves as the primary mentor during our retreat. His hands-on approach and extensive experience empower participants to adopt and adapt best practices in organic agriculture.

At CANOPY, we pride ourselves on the caliber of mentorship provided.

These experts will lead you through a transformative experience, sharing insights that fuse theoretical knowledge with practical applications, ensuring you leave the program ready to implement and lead change effectively in your own communities.

Eliot Coleman

Eliot Coleman is a farmer, author, agricultural researcher and educator, and a pioneer of organic farming. He is the author of the seminal book The New Organic Grower and the co-founder of Four Season Farm in Maine, alongside his wife, Barbara Damrosch. Coleman is renowned for developing innovative cold-weather growing techniques that have shaped modern sustainable agriculture.

Chloé Trudeau

Chloé Trudeau is the General Manager of La Ferme des Quatre-Temps. She joined the project in 2015 and was trained by Jean-Martin Fortier. Today, she leads the farm’s operations, continuing its mission with dedication and vision.

Kish Johnson

Kish Johnson is the Director of Strategic Partnerships & International Business at Advancing Eco Agriculture. He spearheads the organization’s global expansion, working with farmers, investors, and companies across the supply chain in more than 10 countries.

Benjamin Fahrer

Benjamin Fahrer is an organic farming expert with over 25 years of experience, specializing in the design and construction of integrated ecological farming systems. He has developed high-yield rooftop farms in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Maude-Hélène Desroches

Maude-Hélène Desroches is a farmer, business manager and ecologist. In 2004, she co-founded Les Jardins de la Grelinette with Jean-Martin Fortier, proving that a farm under one hectare can be both financially viable and provide a fulfilling lifestyle. Since 2015, Maude-Hélène has managed the farm on her own, cultivating healthy food while fostering biodiversity and mentoring future farmers.

Julian Giacomelli

In this pivotal moment, Julian coaches mission-driven entrepreneurs scaling their ventures. He applies strategy, embodied leadership, and a regenerative mindset. With experience in management consulting and as a founder of Rise Kombucha, he guides leaders toward commercial success, positive impact, and a good life.

Retreat schedule

Please note that the preliminary schedule is subject to change. Participants will be notify with any changes and will receive the final schedule a few weeks before the retreat.

Every day starts around 8 am and finishes around 9 pm.

Day 1 - June 10th	Day 2 - June 11th	Day 3 - June 12th
Welcome Breakfast and Orientation	Breakfast	Breathwork session (optional)
Connection Activity	Nutrient Management for Insect & Disease Prevention	Breakfast
Opening Keynote by Jean-Martin Fortier	Take the Lead: Tools to Run Your Farm Smarter	Deep conversation with Eliot Coleman
Farm Design as the Cornerstone of Implementation	Farm-to-Table Lunch	Unleashing your Leadership Potential
Farm-to-Table Lunch	Leadership Activity	Farm-to-Table Lunch
Farm Design as the Cornerstone of Implementation — Workshop	Farm Tour FQT	Next steps — Canopy Certification
Leadership Activity	Farmer’s Wednesday Dinner	Farm Tour
Farm Tour at La Grelinette		A Word from Eliot
Welcome Dinner		Embodied Leadership Ceremony & Dinner at Old Mill with Farmer’s Table

By the End of the Program, You Will Have

Earn CANOPY Certification

You will receive CANOPY certification recognizing your development as a leader in regenerative farming and your completion of this advanced leadership experience.

Strengthen
Your Network

You will leave with meaningful relationships built through shared work and honest dialogue — peers you can rely on as your responsibilities grow.

Clarify Your Next Stage

You will complete the program with a defined 90-day plan, sharper strategic thinking, and concrete decisions already in motion within your venture.

Hear It from the trailblazers

“Joining Canopy was a big commitment during harvest season, but it exceeded every expectation. I left re-energized, challenged, and more passionate than ever. This is just the beginning.”

— Stephen Storey, Storey Family Farm

“Very tight event connecting growers and inspiring innovation and leadership 10/10”

— Jodi Roebuck, Roebuck Farm

“I loved this so much. I’ve had a hard time putting my experience into words. It unlocked a vision of my future in a way that I didn’t expect. I’m more hopeful and have more clarity in the way I practice and live.”

— Lynsey Gammon

“One of the best experiences of my life. A rare, distraction-free space to reflect on purpose, reconnect with my vision, and build lifelong community. I’ll carry this forever.”

— Carolyn Kading

“It felt like finding a home I didn’t know I had. I left empowered, clear, and supported to create real change—as a farmer and as a person.”

— Kei Cripps

“A jam-packed three days connecting with passionate growers striving to elevate themselves and their businesses. Highly recommended.”

— Steve Grist

“World-class organization with a deep culture of people-care. I left with renewed purpose and the confidence to launch ambitious projects back home in Australia.”

— Peter Dowson

“The Canopy retreat exceeded my expectations. By the first day, I knew it was worth every bit of the investment.”

— Alexis Légère

Special Offers

Market gardener
masterclass students

Enjoy an exclusive price
on enrollment.

duo
pricing

Apply with a friend and
receive a special rate.

exclusive
access

Entry is by application
only to ensure a
personalized experience.
Limited places are
available to maintain
program quality.

Still have questions ?

CANOPY

Leadership That Holds Up Over Time

Farming carries real responsibility to the land, to the people involved, and to the future of the work itself. CANOPY is for those ready to lead with clarity, build with discipline, and strengthen the foundations of their ventures for the long term.

Take action now. Join us on this bold journey with CANOPY!

Shape Tomorrow:
Help Farm the Future.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tell me more about the program

What are the costs involved in joining CANOPY?

The program has various pricing options, including special prices for past students of the Market Gardener Masterclass and special rates when applying with a friend. Exact pricing details are available upon application, as entry is exclusive and places are limited to maintain a high-quality, personalised experience.

What’s not covered?

Program fees do not include flight or other travel expenses to Stanbridge East. Included in the program are accommodations for four nights, allowing you to arrive a day before the retreat begins on June 10th. Any additional nights beyond this will require you to cover the costs and manage the booking yourself.

Are there any special offers available?

Yes, special offers include:

Discounts for Market Gardener Masterclass students.
Duo pricing for applications made with a friend.

What will I gain from completing the CANOPY program?

Upon completion, participants will receive a CANOPY certification, demonstrating their leadership in organic and regenerative agriculture. Graduates also join a vibrant network of like-minded professionals, gaining a comprehensive toolkit to support clients and enhance agricultural operations effectively.

How much time should I commit to the program?

Participants should be prepared to commit to the full 3-month duration of the program. This includes the initial 3-day retreat and subsequent 6 weeks of online training, which involves biweekly live calls and approximately 2 hours per week of assignments. We estimate that the program will request an implication of 60 hours of your time.

How can I apply?

Applications are open through the CANOPY application form, where you can fill out your application and possibly schedule a connect call to discuss how the program can specifically benefit you.

Where will the retreat be held?

The initial retreat will be held at the Old Mill in Stanbridge East, known for its vibrant agricultural community and scenic environment. This setting provides an ideal backdrop for immersive learning and networking.

Do I have to pay for my flight and transportation?

You have to pay for your transportation to get to the Old Mill for the 3 day retreat. Once there, you are fully taken care of including local transportation, accomodation, food & activities.

I have food intolerances and allergies, will the menus be appropriate for me?

We totally understand the wide variety of food allergies and intolerances and will ensure you can eat according to your food diet.

Once I get the certification, what can I do with it?

The CANOPY certification demonstrates your expertise and commitment to sustainable, small-scale agriculture. With this certification, you can:

Enhance your consulting business by providing evidence of your specialized knowledge to potential clients.
Pursue leadership roles within agricultural education and advocacy organizations.
Start or improve your own farm school or training program, using the advanced techniques and management skills you’ve acquired.
Network and collaborate with other certified professionals to expand your influence and impact in the agricultural sector.

What is the network?

The CANOPY network is a vibrant community of current participants and alumni, all dedicated to advancing sustainable agriculture. This network provides:

Opportunities for collaboration on projects or initiatives aimed at improving agricultural practices globally.
Support and mentorship from peers and experienced professionals in the field to troubleshoot or find answers to challenges you will be facing.
Access to exclusive updates on advanced agricultural techniques, job openings, and industry advancements.

Will I get to meet Jean-Martin Fortier?

Yes, Jean-Martin Fortier will be actively involved in the program. He will host the retreat, providing mentorship and sharing his extensive knowledge and experience. This is a unique opportunity to learn directly from a pioneer in the field and discuss your agricultural ambitions with him.

Where are we staying during the retreat?

During the retreat, participants will stay at a hotel and spa lodging located at a 10-minute drive from the Old Mill in Stanbridge East.

Will I have my private room?

Yes, the accommodation provided includes a single-occupancy room for each participant. This ensures privacy and comfort throughout your stay. Shared accommodation options are available upon request if you prefer or wish to reduce costs. All meals are included, featuring local produce with menu options adaptable to any dietary needs.

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