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 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
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
Advanced
Growing
Techniques
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
Who is canopy for :
Experienced
Farm Owners:
Agricultural
Consultants:
Agricultural
Educators:
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 September 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.
When will the biweekly call take place?
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.
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.
When do the accommodation hotel nights start for the retreat?
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.
Which airport should I fly into?
You should fly into either Montréal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport (YUL) or Burlington International Airport (BTV).
When is the enrollment period?
The application period is open from June 4th to July 18th, 2024.
Places are limited.