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A Pioneering Leadership Program in Small-Scale Agriculture

canopy leadership program

Ready to be the change-
maker our world needs?

HAVE YOU EVER CAUGHT YOURSELF THINKING   HAVE YOU EVER CAUGHT YOURSELF THINKING   HAVE YOU EVER CAUGHT YOURSELF THINKING   HAVE YOU EVER CAUGHT YOURSELF THINKING   HAVE YOU EVER CAUGHT YOURSELF THINKING   HAVE YOU EVER CAUGHT YOURSELF THINKING   HAVE YOU EVER CAUGHT YOURSELF THINKING   HAVE YOU EVER CAUGHT YOURSELF THINKING   HAVE YOU EVER CAUGHT YOURSELF THINKING   HAVE YOU EVER CAUGHT YOURSELF THINKING   HAVE YOU EVER CAUGHT YOURSELF THINKING   HAVE YOU EVER CAUGHT YOURSELF THINKING   HAVE YOU EVER CAUGHT YOURSELF THINKING  

For so many years, we’ve heard rising members of our community calling for a bigger support system for real agriculture (you know, the one involving humans and soil).

 

Asking for a network that would speed up their learning, help them grow their own business and help heal our food system. 

We’ve listened and are happy
to present CANOPY

We’ve listened and are happy
to present CANOPY

CANOPY is an advanced certification retreat meticulously crafted by Jean-Martin Fortier, world-renowned expert in organic farming. This program is designed to best prepare the next generation of farm advocates, consultants, and educators by equipping them with the skills needed to help others successfully manage small-scale farms.

A first of its kind 3-month Leadership Program with Jean-Martin Fortier

Hosted by the Market Gardener Institute and led by a seasoned team of experts, this 3-month training program is designed to support you in your mission.

Join us at CANOPY, where we will equip you with the knowledge and network necessary to inspire and educate others in this vital mission.

A program designed to
protect our food & eco
systems while helping you
thrive.

what canopy offers

Farm Design
&
Management

Acquire cutting-edge farm design and management knowledge to enhance your ability to support clients and improve their agricultural operations.

Advanced
Growing
Techniques

Deepen your expertise with specialized areas such as greenhouse management, season extension, winter growing, and adapting to climate change, so you can guide others in enhancing their agricultural practices.

Global
Consulting
Potential

Learn specialized marketing strategies both tailored for organic and small-scale consultants and farm owners, equipping you to promote yourself and advise others effectively in these areas.

Business &
Marketing
Insights

Connect with a network of peers with international reach, enhancing your global consulting capabilities and enabling you to mentor others in achieving their professional goals.
Canopy

Who is canopy for :

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.

The CANOPY Experience   The CANOPY Experience   The CANOPY Experience   The CANOPY Experience   The CANOPY Experience   The CANOPY Experience   The CANOPY Experience   The CANOPY Experience   The CANOPY Experience   The CANOPY Experience   The CANOPY Experience   The CANOPY Experience   The CANOPY Experience

CANOPY is an in-person 3-day retreat followed by a 6-week online training.

At the end of the training you will receive a CANOPY certification demonstrating your leadership and commitment towards an organic & regenerative agriculture future

Next cohort: June 10, 11 & 12, 2025

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 transformative 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.

6-week online training

Deepen your knowledge

Join us for a 6-week online training following the retreat to complete your experience.

what to expect:

Interactions:

Biweekly live calls to deepen your learning and connect with peers.

Expert Access:

Follow-up calls with our retreat experts to address your specific challenges.

Assignments:

Engage in additional assignments requiring about 2 hours per week.

INTERACTIONS: Biweekly live calls to deepen your learning and connect with peers.

EXPERT ACCESS: Follow-up calls with our retreat experts to address your specific challenges.

ASSIGNMENTS: Engage in additional assignments requiring about 2 hours per week.

Limited places available.

Canopy is designed for experienced growers and consultants serious in their commitment to reimagining the future of our agriculture.
The transformative 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.

expert canopy -Julian Giacomelli​

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.

expert canopy - john kempf

John Kempf

John Kempf is an entrepreneur, speaker, podcast host, leading crop health consultant, and designer of innovative soil and plant management systems. He founded Advancing Eco Agriculture in 2006 and serves as Chief Vision Officer and Executive Board Chairman.

expert canopy - lizianne fortier

Lizianne Fortier

With a rich background in business strategy and a successful career in agricultural marketing, Lizianne specializes in equipping entrepreneurs with the skills to market and grow their agricultural projects effectively.

expert canopy - catherine sylvestre

Catherine Sylvestre

She is a professional agronomist and director of vegetable production and leader of the market garden team at FQT Farm. Catherine brings a wealth of knowledge in advanced market gardening techniques with her expertise in greenhouse management, winter gardening, and crop planning.

expert canopy -laurence harnois

Laurence Harnois

Laurence is the a co-owner of the farm Les Carottés, contributing to its reputation for innovative approaches and effective client engagement. She graduated from an organic farming school in Québec (Cégep de Victoriaville), where she honed her skills and knowledge in agricultural practices. 

experts canopy -clotilde paulin

Clotilde Paulin

Clotilde is a certified NVC trainer and coach at Spiralis. Her gentleness and energy are placed at the service of the participants’ evolution. Clotilde’s deep confidence and embodiment of the power of NVC encourage others to nurture their needs.

By the end of this 3-month program, you can expect to:

Receive a
Certification

Receive a CANOPY certification to demonstrate your leadership and get numerous opportunities in consulting, research, and further advancement in the field.

Join a Positive
Network

Operating a farming business, whether it’s a farm or a consulting business can be daunting and lonely. Join like-minded peers to exchange and grow with.

Gain Significant
Results

Finish the program with the blueprint to run a successful consulting business and help your clients start and operate a thriving small farm.

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 ?

Contact us to learn more about how CANOPY can help you grow.

CANOPY

a groundbreaking leadership program
in organic agriculture

Join CANOPY, the first-of-its-kind leadership program, where tomorrow’s leaders come together to enhance their skills and knowledge. This initiative is dedicated to safeguarding our ecosystems and food systems through advanced organic agriculture practices.

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

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.

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 September 10th. Any additional nights beyond this will require you to cover the costs and manage the booking yourself.

Yes, special offers include:

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

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.

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.

The biweekly calls will take place on Tuesdays and will start on September 24th, 2024. The following dates are October 8th, October 22nd, November 5th, November 18th, December 3rd and December 10th.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Participants should arrive on September 9, as the retreat starts on Tuesday, September 10, at 8 am. The retreat finishes late on the 12th, so participants will leave on the 13th.

You should fly into either Montréal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport (YUL) or Burlington International Airport (BTV).

The application period is open from June 4th to July 18th, 2024. 
Places are limited.