40: Farming in the Land of Walmarts and McDonalds: A New Jersey Reality Check | Chris Adams

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