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How To Earn $140k Farming 1.5 Acres

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The world needs more small-scale farmers. That is the belief of Jean-Martin Fortier, a Quebec-based farmer, educator, and author specializing in organic and biologically intensive farm practices. Fortier’s mission is to educate and empower people to help grow the number of small, ecological farms over the world. 

Jean and his wife, Maude-Hélène Desroches, started their southern Quebec micro-farm, Les Jardins de la Grelinette, in 2004. The farm grosses six figures annually and feeds more than 200 families through CSA shares and farmer’s markets. On this farm, only 1.5 acres of land are cultivated in permanent beds.

This hardworking couple has proven that a modest plot of land can grow an abundance of food for your family and others in your community, and can result in a great income.

 

Farming a small acreage

The Market Gardener

 

“Today, they grow a diversified mix of crops including beets, broccoli, salad greens, and carrots on an acre and a half. Their award-winning farm, Les Jardins de la Grelinette, clears $140,000 in sales annually. Fortier and Desroches work nine months out of the year and their CSA feeds 200 families a week during the summer months.” ~ Earn a Good Living Without a Tractor

 

Jean-Martin Fortier’s farm sells $140,000 of food on an acre and half. Now he wants to help others do the same.” – Market Gardener

 

Small organic farm

The Market Gardener

 Jean is the author of the book The Market Gardener. With his book and online courses, Jean teaches others the tools and techniques he uses on his amazingly successful, high-yield organic farms.   

A recognized authority on small-scale organic vegetable production, he has inspired hundreds of thousands to embrace a vision of agriculture that is human-scale, ecological and profitable.” Market Gardener

“Growing on just 1.5 acres, owners Jean-Martin and Maude-Helène feed more than two hundred families through their thriving CSA and seasonal market stands and supply their signature mesclun salad mix to dozens of local establishments. The secret of their success is the low-tech, high-yield production methods they’ve developed by focusing on growing better rather than growing bigger, making their operation more lucrative and viable in the process.” ~ The Market Gardener

 

Following are some inspiring images of Jean-Martin and Maude-Helène’s beautiful small farm. 

Greenhouse growing

The Market Gardener

 

High-yield organic farming

The Market Gardener

 

 

 

Organic greenhouse gardening

The Market Gardener

 

 

 

Small farm in Quebec

The Market Gardener

This beautiful farm is a great example of how high-yield organic food production can be done on less land than you’d think.

The future of farming is here. Our prediction is that more and more small farms will start popping up over the next several years to fill in the gaps left by Big Ag and factory farms between growers and health-conscious consumers.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Agriculture is the future of job growth and income and will provide for generations to come. As our population increases, we need to be able to feed the people. This will help bridge the gap and provide many small farmers with a healthy income.

That you can do this on less land than previously thought is a massive benefit to small farms all over the world.

Are you ready to start farming?

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Small farm income

CCA22

Monday 19th of December 2016

Thank you for the detailed information. I'm looking forward to learning more about this subject.