An unmissable initiative with Jean-Martin Fortier
On January 18, 2026, Azienda Agricola Foradori hosted an extraordinary event dedicated to winter market gardening, featuring Jean-Martin Fortier, a famed Canadian farmer, author, and educator. A pioneer of intensive organic market gardening, Fortier is well known for the method developed at Les Jardins de la Grelinette, through which he demonstrates how high yields can be achieved even on small plots, promoting sustainable, profitable, and local agriculture.
The value of winter crops
For many farmers, the winter months represent a break from the summer growing season. However, winter crops offer interesting and stable economic opportunities when carefully planned and professionally managed. The course held at Foradori illustrated practical techniques to maximize yields both in greenhouses and in open fields, combining sustainability and productivity.
The workshop: program and special guests
The event was inspired by Fortier’s latest book, The Winter Market Gardener, in which he presents techniques and results based on years of experience at Ferme de Quatre Temps. Fortier, together with his former student Myrtha Zierock, led a half-day workshop focused on effective and innovative winter growing strategies.
Completing the team of experts, our Andrea provided detailed information about the varieties best suited to winter conditions, both in open fields and in greenhouses, offering practical advice on sowing, crop management, and harvesting.
Experiences and outcomes
Participants had the opportunity to explore:
- Intensive growing techniques on small plots
- Selection of cold-resistant varieties suitable for continuous production
- Strategic planning of the winter cropping calendar
- Sustainable and profitable management of the winter garden
The event demonstrated how, even during the coldest months, it is possible to achieve abundant and high-quality harvests by combining innovation, experience, and passion for the land.
Conclusion
The Winter Marketgarden Workshop at Azienda Agricola Foradori Farm was a unique opportunity to learn from leading international experts, strengthen technical skills, and discover new opportunities for winter crops. An event that confirms the commitment of Smarties.bio and its partners to promoting organic, sustainable, and innovative agriculture.
We thank Meike Hollnaicher (@megustorphin - @farmfluencers) for the photos.