Join Jean-Martin (JM) Fortier, a pioneer in the small-scale organic farming movement, as he shares insights and experiences from his 20-year journey in market gardening. JM will delve into how the transformative power of ecological farming can restore and ignite local communities. He will highlight the success stories of future growers empowered by The Market Gardener Institute and explore the innovative ventures that continue to shape the future of regenerative agriculture. This talk promises to inspire and equip attendees with the knowledge and passion to cultivate a more resilient and sustainable food system.

About Jean-Martin Fortier

Jean-Martin (JM) Fortier is a farmer, an educator, and an eco-entrepreneur. For more than two decades, he has been a leading figure in the organic farming movement. As the author of the groundbreaking book “The Market Gardener,” which has sold over 250,000 copies worldwide, JM has reshaped the small-scale agricultural landscape by inspiring readers to reimagine ecological, human-scale food systems.

Through his involvement with The Market Gardener Institute, he and his team empower the next generation of growers to establish thriving small ecological farms globally. Recently honored with the Meritorious Service Cross by the Governor General of Canada for his contributions to the advancement of regenerative agriculture, JM’s latest ventures include the establishment of Espace Old Mill, a farm-to-table restaurant recently recognized as one of the top 10 new restaurants in Canada. He is an ambassador for Growers & Co. and the co-host of The Market Gardener Podcast. JM lives and farms in Québec, Canada.

About ACES

Aspen Center for Environmental Studies (ACES) is a nonprofit environmental organization with three locations in the Roaring Fork Valley: Hallam Lake, Rock Bottom Ranch, and the Catto Center at Toklat.

Since 1968, ACES has inspired a lifelong commitment to the Earth by providing innovative and immersive programming for all ages. Our programs focus on education, regenerative agriculture, forest and ecosystem health, climate, land restoration, and environmental leadership.

ACES contributes to a national agenda for increased environmental awareness. With support from many partner organizations, our programs reach over 140,000 individuals every year. We teach in local schools daily, lead camps in the summer, and host adult classes. We share the beauty and ecology of our area with locals and visitors through Naturalist-led hikes and field programs for all ages. We also engage our community by hosting public lectures and events. ACES collaborates with land trusts, public agencies, and other nonprofits to achieve our mission.

In the decades ahead, ACES seeks to cultivate a community of environmental stewards so that children, parents, consumers, decision-makers, and leaders can make informed decisions in an increasingly complex world.

About Rock Bottom Ranch:

Rock Bottom Ranch serves as ACES’ mid-valley hub for environmental education, wildlands preservation, and sustainable agriculture. The 113-acre wildlife preserve and educational Ranch sits between the Roaring Fork River and the Crown of Mount Sopris and is conveniently located midway between Basalt and Carbondale on the Rio Grande Trail. Its acreage includes wetlands, spring-fed ponds, a braid of the Roaring Fork River, cottonwood bottomlands, a view of piñon-juniper woodlands on adjacent BLM land, teaching farmyards, pasturelands, and gardens.