Whether you already grow mushrooms or are looking to diversify your market offerings, Erin Hamilton of The Mushroom Conservatory tells us about the varieties and methods we should consider for mushrooms that can be cultured and grown for market. Erin, an expert mushroom grower and agricultural educator, shares her passion for mushrooms and their ecological significance, including how spent mushroom spawn can improve your compost pile. She discusses the role of mycelium in plant growth, types of mushrooms you can cultivate, and the ongoing debate surrounding golden oyster mushrooms.

Erin also provides practical advice on how to start growing mushrooms, focusing on oyster mushrooms and functional varieties. She provides a detailed guide on growing mushrooms, discusses the health benefits of functional mushrooms like Lion's Mane, and offers practical tips for selling mushrooms at farmers markets and building relationships with restaurants. This includes ways to dehydrate and package mushrooms that come back from market for sale later in this conversation with host April Parms Jones.

Connect With Guest:

Instagram: @themushroomconservatory
Website: https://themushroomconservatory.com

Podcast Sponsors: Huge thanks to our podcast sponsors as they make this podcast FREE to everyone with their generous support:

Tilth Soil makes living soils for organic growers. The base for all our mixes is NOP-compliant compost, made from the 4,000 tons of food scraps we divert from landfills each year. And the results speak for themselves. Get excellent germination, strong transplants, and help us turn these resources back into food. Try a free bag, and check our 2025 farmer pricing at tilthsoil.com/gfm.

Farmhand is the all-in-one virtual assistant created for CSA farmers. With five-star member support, custom websites, shop management, and seamless billing, Farmhand makes it effortless to market, manage, and grow a thriving CSA. Learn more and set up a demo with the founder at farmhand.partners/gfm.

Harnois has been pioneering greenhouse design since 1965, working with farmers across North America to deliver turnkey greenhouse solutions. Designed to withstand high snow and wind loads, their greenhouses optimize brightness, boost yields, and offer a rapid ROI. And in 2025, they’re introducing a new tunnel starting at just $2 per square foot- and as a GFM listener, you’ll receive an exclusive 5% discount on all new structures at Harnois.com.

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Dave Chapman tells us about the origins of the Real Organic Project, and why preserving organic standards is important for all growers whether certified organic or not in this week’s podcast. Dave is the co-director of the Real Organic Project (ROP) and owner of Long Wind Farm in Vermont. The ROP is active in preserving the standards of the National Organic Program (NOP) in the face of lobbying by agribusiness to relax them, particularly in the areas of allowing hydroponics to be certified organic and enforcing animal welfare standards in organic production.

This is the first of a two-part conversation about the ROP, this one focusing on hydroponics and the forthcoming episode will focus on preserving animal welfare standards. Dave highlights the impact on consumer trust that comes from weakening the NOP, and the future of organic standards as corporations push for changing them. The conversation also touches on the challenges posed by container production and herbicide use in “organic” farming, the health impacts of chemical agriculture and the growth of the Real Organic Certification initiative.

Connect With Guest:

Instagram: @realorganicproject
Website: realorganicproject.org

Podcast Sponsors: Huge thanks to our podcast sponsors as they make this podcast FREE to everyone with their generous support:

BCS two-wheel tractors are designed and built in Italy where small-scale farming has been a way of life for generations. Discover the beauty of BCS on your farm with PTO-driven implements for soil-working, shredding cover crops, spreading compost, mowing under fences, clearing snow, and more – all powered by a single, gear-driven machine that’s tailored to the size and scale of your operation. To learn more, view sale pricing, or locate your nearest dealer, visit BCS America.

Farmhand is the all-in-one virtual assistant created for CSA farmers. With five-star member support, custom websites, shop management, and seamless billing, Farmhand makes it effortless to market, manage, and grow a thriving CSA. Learn more and set up a demo with the founder at farmhand.partners/gfm.

Harnois has been pioneering greenhouse design since 1965, working with farmers across North America to deliver turnkey greenhouse solutions. Designed to withstand high snow and wind loads, their greenhouses optimize brightness, boost yields, and offer a rapid ROI. And in 2025, they’re introducing a new tunnel starting at just $2 per square foot- and as a GFM listener, you’ll receive an exclusive 5% discount on all new structures at Harnois.com.

Diane Szukovathy of Jello Mold Farm tells host Rebecca Kutzer-Rice how the need for standards for floral crops at the Seattle Wholesale Growers Market (SWGM) led to the creation of the new book Floral Standards: A Practical Guide for Harvesting and Delivering Professional Quality Products. They also discuss Diane’s journey in flower farming, the establishment of the Seattle Wholesale Growers Market, and the importance of quality standards in the floral industry. Diane highlights the collaborative efforts of local growers to create the Floral Standards book, which serves as a comprehensive guide for harvesting and delivering the highest quality flowers.

The discussion also covers specific crops like dahlias, hellebores and sweet peas, emphasizing the need for careful handling and understanding of harvest stages to ensure product quality. She discusses the importance of harvesting methods, managing geotropism in flowers, and postharvest handling for getting flowers to market with as much vase life as possible. The conversation also touches on unique crops for local growers, pricing strategies in the flower market, and how the group at SWGM collaborated to write the book that will help growers know what the standard is for a wide variety of floral crops and how to meet it.

Connect With Guest:

Instagram: @jellomoldfarm, @seattlewholesalegrowersmarket

Website: jellomoldfarm.com, swgm.coop

Buy the book: swgm.coop/book/

Podcast Sponsors: Huge thanks to our podcast sponsors as they make this podcast FREE to everyone with their generous support:

BCS two-wheel tractors are designed and built in Italy where small-scale farming has been a way of life for generations. Discover the beauty of BCS on your farm with PTO-driven implements for soil-working, shredding cover crops, spreading compost, mowing under fences, clearing snow, and more – all powered by a single, gear-driven machine that’s tailored to the size and scale of your operation. To learn more, view sale pricing, or locate your nearest dealer, visit BCS America.

Sumisansui is Japanese irrigation brought to you by Wetterfrosch Farm Tools. Sumisansui is a proven tool that is highly adaptable for farms and gardens of all sizes. It is quick and easy to deploy, has a broad, rectangular coverage area and uniformly waters multiple beds at a time. It operates on low water pressure, has multi season durability and is exceptionally gentle on seeds, plants and soil. Learn more at wetterfrosch.farm.

Farmhand is the all-in-one virtual assistant created for CSA farmers. With five-star member support, custom websites, shop management, and seamless billing, Farmhand makes it effortless to market, manage, and grow a thriving CSA. Learn more and set up a demo with the founder at farmhand.partners/gfm.

Harnois has been pioneering greenhouse design since 1965, working with farmers across North America to deliver turnkey greenhouse solutions. Designed to withstand high snow and wind loads, their greenhouses optimize brightness, boost yields, and offer a rapid ROI. And in 2025, they’re introducing a new tunnel starting at just $2 per square foot- and as a GFM listener, you’ll receive an exclusive 5% discount on all new structures at Harnois.com.

Started in the late 1980s by Sandy and Paul Arnold, Pleasant Valley Farm in Argyle, New York, helped innovate and share winter growing techniques that lengthened local food season on many market farms. After decades of selling at farmers markets, during the pandemic they switched to online sales only out of necessity. Listen to this interview with their son Robert Arnold to find out how they made the transition on short notice, why they never went back to farmers markets, and tips from how they manage their 100% online sales.

We also get some tips from the farm, including an innovative method for long-term storage of head lettuce. In addition to growing up and working on Pleasant Valley Farm, Robert has his own business called Smart Farm Innovations that helps farmers automate tasks around the farm. Robert tells us how and what processes farmers are automating to save time and gain peace of mind.

Connect With Guest:

Instagram:
@pvfproduce
@smartfarminnovations

Website:

http://pvfproduce.com

https://www.smartfarminnovations.com

Podcast Sponsors: Huge thanks to our podcast sponsors as they make this podcast FREE to everyone with their generous support:

Sumisansui is Japanese irrigation brought to you by Wetterfrosch Farm Tools. Sumisansui is a proven tool that is highly adaptable for farms and gardens of all sizes. It is quick and easy to deploy, has a broad, rectangular coverage area and uniformly waters multiple beds at a time. It operates on low water pressure, has multi season durability and is exceptionally gentle on seeds, plants and soil. Learn more at wetterfrosch.farm.

Farmhand is the all-in-one virtual assistant created for CSA farmers. With five-star member support, custom websites, shop management, and seamless billing, Farmhand makes it effortless to market, manage, and grow a thriving CSA. Learn more and set up a demo with the founder at farmhand.partners/gfm.

Harnois has been pioneering greenhouse design since 1965, working with farmers across North America to deliver turnkey greenhouse solutions. Designed to withstand high snow and wind loads, their greenhouses optimize brightness, boost yields, and offer a rapid ROI. And in 2025, they’re introducing a new tunnel starting at just $2 per square foot- and as a GFM listener, you’ll receive an exclusive 5% discount on all new structures at Harnois.com.

Farm Action is a nonpartisan agricultural watchdog organization led by farmers, and Research and Policy Development Director Sarah Carden joins host April Parms Jones to discuss how they provide food-system accountability for farmers. Farm Action advocates for a fair and sustainable food system that empowers farmers and rural communities by focusing on holding large corporations and the government accountable for their actions in agriculture. Hear why specialty crop producers often receive less support compared to commodity crops, and the impact on food pricing and diversity, which is part of the reason why processed foods are often cheaper than vegetables.

United States food and agriculture policies currently enable a handful of the world’s largest corporations to control our food and farming system at the expense of farmers, workers, and all of us who eat. Hear how Farm Action encourages consumer awareness and education about food labeling as essential parts of supporting local agriculture, and advocates for accountability from both our government and large corporations within the agricultural sector.

Connect With Guest:

Facebook: @FarmActionUS

Website: https://farmaction.us

Podcast Sponsors: Huge thanks to our podcast sponsors as they make this podcast FREE to everyone with their generous support:

Rimol Greenhouse Systems designs and manufactures greenhouses that are built to be intensely rugged, reliably durable, and uniquely attractive – to meet all your growing needs. Rimol Greenhouses are guaranteed to hold up through any weather conditions, while providing exceptional value and an easy installation for vegetable growers of all sizes. Learn more about the Rimol difference and why growers love Rimol high tunnels at Rimol.com

Farmhand is the all-in-one virtual assistant created for CSA farmers. With five-star member support, custom websites, shop management, and seamless billing, Farmhand makes it effortless to market, manage, and grow a thriving CSA. Learn more and set up a demo with the founder at farmhand.partners/gfm.

Local Line is the all-in-one sales platform for direct-market farms and food hubs of all sizes. Increase your sales and streamline your processes with features including e-commerce, inventory management, subscriptions, online payments, and box builder. As a GFM podcast listener, Local Line is offering a free premium feature for one year with your subscription using the coupon code GFM2025 at localline.co.

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In this interview Ana Ljubojević and Nikolina Kovačević tell us how they grew Mali Plac, an innovative food hub in Slovenia that connects farmers directly with consumers. They discuss the mission of Mali Plac, how it helps people “find their tribe,” their customer demographics, the logistics of operations, and the pickup model that allows farmers to interact directly with customers. The conversation highlights the importance of building relationships and respect within the community, showcasing how Mali Plac has evolved over the years to become a vital part of the local food system.

They discuss the evolution of their order management system from spreadsheets to implementing the Local Line platform, and how it accommodates the evolving needs of farmers and customers as their food hub grows. The discussion also covers the agricultural landscape in Slovenia, highlighting seasonal variations, types of crops grown, and the innovative solutions they employ to minimize food waste and enhance communication with their community. Ana and Nikolina discuss the importance of cash payments in local markets, the unique payment systems and taxation in Slovenia, and how these factors contribute to community building. They also discuss the cultural aspects of food consumption, advice for starting a food hub and the challenges and opportunities of expanding into new markets.

Connect With Guest:

Instagram: @maliplaczaprihodnost
Website: www.maliplac.si

Podcast Sponsors: Huge thanks to our podcast sponsors as they make this podcast FREE to everyone with their generous support:

Rimol Greenhouse Systems designs and manufactures greenhouses that are built to be intensely rugged, reliably durable, and uniquely attractive – to meet all your growing needs. Rimol Greenhouses are guaranteed to hold up through any weather conditions, while providing exceptional value and an easy installation for vegetable growers of all sizes. Learn more about the Rimol difference and why growers love Rimol high tunnels at Rimol.com

Farmhand is the all-in-one virtual assistant created for CSA farmers. With five-star member support, custom websites, shop management, and seamless billing, Farmhand makes it effortless to market, manage, and grow a thriving CSA. Learn more and set up a demo with the founder at farmhand.partners/gfm.

BCS two-wheel tractors are designed and built in Italy where small-scale farming has been a way of life for generations. Discover the beauty of BCS on your farm with PTO-driven implements for soil-working, shredding cover crops, spreading compost, mowing under fences, clearing snow, and more – all powered by a single, gear-driven machine that’s tailored to the size and scale of your operation. To learn more, view sale pricing, or locate your nearest dealer, visit BCS America.

Local Line is the all-in-one sales platform for direct-market farms and food hubs of all sizes. Increase your sales and streamline your processes with features including e-commerce, inventory management, subscriptions, online payments, and box builder. As a GFM podcast listener, Local Line is offering a free premium feature for one year with your subscription using the coupon code GFM2025 at localline.co.

Have you ever thought of a project that would be perfect for your farm, except that it’s not profitable? It might be possible with a for-profit/nonprofit partnership! In this episode we explore these partnerships with Amber Lambke, cofounder and CEO of Maine Grains. We’ll hear how such a partnership helped her start a gristmill in a repurposed Victorian-era jailhouse, which has spurred the revival of grain production in Maine.

Amber shares insights on the challenges of building a business in a rural area, the complexities of funding agricultural projects, the role of nonprofits in supporting local economies, and the implications of tax laws on grant funding. We explore innovative funding models to enhance agricultural sustainability and food security, the intricacies of forming and operating a nonprofit organization, the importance of having a clear mission, understanding the legal requirements for nonprofit status, and the challenges of securing funding through grants. As an example, interviewer and GFM editor Andrew Mefferd describes a greenhouse project for his farm to see if Amber thinks it might be a good candidate for such a partnership.

Connect With Guest:

Instagram: @mainegrains
Website: mainegrains.com

Podcast Sponsors:Huge thanks to our podcast sponsors as they make this podcast FREE to everyone with their generous support:

BCS two-wheel tractors are designed and built in Italy where small-scale farming has been a way of life for generations. Discover the beauty of BCS on your farm with PTO-driven implements for soil-working, shredding cover crops, spreading compost, mowing under fences, clearing snow, and more – all powered by a single, gear-driven machine that’s tailored to the size and scale of your operation. To learn more, view sale pricing, or locate your nearest dealer, visit BCS America.

Local Line is the all-in-one sales platform for direct-market farms and food hubs of all sizes. Increase your sales and streamline your processes with features including e-commerce, inventory management, subscriptions, online payments, and box builder. As a GFM podcast listener, Local Line is offering a free premium feature for one year with your subscription using the coupon code GFM2025 at localline.co.

Rimol Greenhouse Systems designs and manufactures greenhouses that are built to be intensely rugged, reliably durable, and uniquely attractive – to meet all your growing needs. Rimol Greenhouses are guaranteed to hold up through any weather conditions, while providing exceptional value and an easy installation for vegetable growers of all sizes. Learn more about the Rimol difference and why growers love Rimol high tunnels at Rimol.com

Farmhand is the all-in-one virtual assistant created for CSA farmers. With five-star member support, custom websites, shop management, and seamless billing, Farmhand makes it effortless to market, manage, and grow a thriving CSA. Learn more and set up a demo with the founder at farmhand.partners/gfm.

With a background in management and education, it wasn’t always obvious that Tyrean Lewis would become a farmer. But after taking stock of how few options there were for healthy food in his area, he decided to start a farm in the city of St. Louis, Missouri. Coming from a long line of farmers, Tyrean is the fifth generation of his family to farm.

In this interview with host April Parms Jones, Tyrean tells us how he founded his first farm on a vacant lot, and that farm was so successful that he has continued to expand it. There are lots of great tips in this interview whether farming in urban areas or not, including how to find a good farm site and how to improve the soil using materials like compost and leaves that may be available for free. He also shares a lot of great ideas for how to network with the community regardless of whether you’re looking to establish a farm or a market, and explains how their farm incubator program is training the next generation of farmers.

Connect With Guest:

Instagram: @heruurbanfarming
Website: heruurbanfarming.com

Podcast Sponsors: Huge thanks to our podcast sponsors as they make this podcast FREE to everyone with their generous support:

Discover innovative packaging solutions at A-ROO Company, your one-stop shop for customizable and eco-friendly packaging across various industries, including floral, produce, and specialty packaging. Explore stylish and eco-friendly Kraft Paper Sleeves and sheets at shop.a-roo.com today and enjoy an exclusive 15% discount with code "GFM15" for Growing For Market listeners. When it comes to quality and innovation, A-ROO Company is the name you can trust.

Local Line is the all-in-one sales platform for direct-market farms and food hubs of all sizes. Increase your sales and streamline your processes with features including e-commerce, inventory management, subscriptions, online payments, and box builder. As a GFM podcast listener, Local Line is offering a free premium feature for one year with your subscription using the coupon code GFM2025 at localline.co.

Rimol Greenhouse Systems designs and manufactures greenhouses that are built to be intensely rugged, reliably durable, and uniquely attractive – to meet all your growing needs. Rimol Greenhouses are guaranteed to hold up through any weather conditions, while providing exceptional value and an easy installation for vegetable growers of all sizes. Learn more about the Rimol difference and why growers love Rimol high tunnels at Rimol.com

Farmhand is the all-in-one virtual assistant created for CSA farmers. With five-star member support, custom websites, shop management, and seamless billing, Farmhand makes it effortless to market, manage, and grow a thriving CSA. Learn more and set up a demo with the founder at farmhand.partners/gfm.