In this episode, we sit down with Chris Adams, New Jersey grower and founder of Eastbound Acres, to explore what it really means to be a small-scale farmer in the most densely populated state in the United States. We dive deep into the challenges of farming in a landscape dominated by suburban sprawl, fast-food chains, and skyrocketing land prices, and we explore Chris’s mission to rebuild local food awareness in a place where agriculture has all but disappeared from daily life. Chris breaks down how he built multiple farms over 13 years; why sales, not production, remain the biggest barrier for growers in his region; and how he’s using tools like Local Line, CSA credit systems, and ultra-efficient market gardening practices to build a viable business on under half an acre.
Learn more about Chris’s work at Eastbound Acres: https://eastboundacres.com/
Timestamps
[2:15] Farming in a densely populated and developed area.
[3:29] The need for agriculture education and awareness in New Jersey.
[9:57] Historical context of farmland loss in New Jersey due to urban sprawl.
[12:23] Chris's journey to farming: from soil science to starting a farm from a class project.
[15:20] "Food Inc." documentary as a catalyst for change.
[16:58] Evolution of the farm model: transitioning from tractor-oriented to super-small market garden style.
[23:00] Achieving high efficiency and streamlining labor (working three hours a week on a half-acre).
[27:01] The difficulty of sales and marketing in a densely populated area and the problem with fake farm markets.
[30:02] Using local line software for sales, forecasting, and streamlining the business.
[41:17] Juggling the farm with a main business and the importance of setting hard boundaries.
[1:28:24] Rapid fire Q&A (books, advice, failures, and the link between wrestling and farming discipline)
Sponsors
Real Organic Project:Get Involved. Get Certified. Join the movement to fight the co-opting of organic.
Market Gardener Institute: Join the Masterclass waiting list today!
Links/Resources
Market Gardener Institute: https://themarketgardener.com
Masterclass: https://themarketgardener.com/courses/the-market-gardener-masterclass
Newsletter: https://themarketgardener.com/newsletter
Blog: https://themarketgardener.com/blog
Books: https://themarketgardener.com/books
Growers & Co: https://growers.co
Heirloom: https://heirloom.ag/
The Old Mill: https://www.espaceoldmill.com/en/
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Guest Social Media Links
Chris Adams:
Website: https://www.eastboundacres.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eastboundacres
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089652433399
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-adams-a9b451382/
JM:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeanmartinfortier
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jeanmartinfortier
