The Woman Behind The Market Gardener

with Maude-Hélène Desroches

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Welcome to The Market Gardener Podcast, your gateway to the vibrant world of organic small-scale farming. JM Fortier and Chris Moran explore the big ideas, challenges, and solutions that shape our food system. Join us and the leading voices in sustainable agriculture as we dive into insightful conversations that empower, educate, and inspire action.

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About this episode

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.

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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 its 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’