Pioneer of small-scale ecological farming, Jean-Martin Fortier, announces New Zealand & Australia tour — December 2025

Media Release: November 2025

Internationally renowned farmer, author, and educator Jean-Martin (JM) Fortier, known  worldwide as a pioneer of small-scale ecological farming, will visit New Zealand and  Australia from December 4 to 9, 2025, to meet with inspiring growers and share his  vision for a thriving, climate-resilient agriculture.  

JM Fortier has spent over two decades dedicated to human-scale, regenerative farming.  As the author of The Market Gardener—which has sold over 250,000 copies  worldwide and translated in 10 languages—he has inspired a global movement of  ecological farms that combine profitability, sustainability, and soil health. 

During his New Zealand & Australia tour, JM Fortier will lead workshops and deliver  keynote presentations alongside innovative farmers and educators who are shaping the  future of regenerative agriculture in the region.  

“Australia and New Zealand are at the forefront of agricultural innovation,”  says Fortier. “I’m deeply inspired by the growers there who are proving that  ecological, community-driven farming is not only viable but vital for our  planet’s future.”  

As New Zealander and Australian farmers continue to navigate climate extremes and  shifting market realities, Fortier’s visit aims to spotlight the resilience and creativity of  those leading the transition toward regenerative and community-based food systems. 

Tour schedule

● Dec 4 – Roebuck Farm (NZ) | Full day Workshop & Farm tour 

● Dec 5 – Green School (NZ) | Keynote Presentation 

● Dec 6 – Mornington Peninsula Shire Council (AU) | Keynote Presentation & Panel 

● Dec 7 – Five Tales Farm (AU) | Full day Workshop & Farm tour 

● Dec 9 – Longley Organic Farm (AU) | Keynote Presentation – Panel – Half day Workshop

About Jean-Martin Fortier  

Jean-Martin (JM) Fortier is a farmer, educator, and eco-entrepreneur who has been a  leading figure in the organic farming movement for more than twenty years. Through his  organization, The Market Gardener Institute, he empowers the next generation of  growers to establish thriving, ecological farms around the world.  

He was recently awarded the Meritorious Service Cross by the Governor General of  Canada for his contributions to regenerative agriculture. His latest venture, Espace  Old Mill, is a farm-to-table restaurant recognised as one of Canada’s Top 10 New  Restaurants and newly Green starred Michelin in June 2025. JM is also co-founder of  Growers & Co. and Heirloom and co-host of The Market Gardener Podcast. 

Why Sprout supports this event in Tasmania

Sprout is so thrilled to be hosting JM Fortier in Tasmania. Education pathways for small  scale agriculture are limited in the southern hemisphere, so enabling our producers in  Tasmania to hear from JM Fortier in person is an incredible opportunity. We know there  will be rich discussion in the panel session we have curated with Tasmanian  representatives in Mitch Thiessen from the Agrarian Kitchen, Pete Cooksley from  School Food Matters Foodies project, and local market gardender Dave Simmons from  Sparrow Foot Farm, sitting alongside JM to discuss what education looks like for those  wanting to learn about alternative agricultural production methods. 

“Education of the next generation of food producers is such an important aspect of a  thriving food system here in Tasmania, and we are not alone in experiencing an ageing  farming cohort. These discussions are fundamental to the future of food” says Jennifer  Robinson. 

“We want to see as many market gardeners as possible at the event at Longley Organic  Farm, to foster connection and shared learning to build resilience.”

For tickets and event information relating to the Sprout Tasmania and Active Vista event at Longley Organic Farm head HERE