26: Seed Farming & Growing Your Own Seeds With Master Grower | Dan Brisebois

This week we chat with Dan Brisebois from Tourne-Sol Farm about the importance of seed saving for market gardeners. Dan shares his journey from agricultural engineering to co-founding a thriving worker co-op farm that balances vegetable production with a successful seed business. We explore the practicalities of growing your own seeds, debunk myths about cross-pollination, and discuss how seed saving can boost resilience and profitability. Dan also highlights the benefits of cooperative farming for work-life balance and introduces his new book, The Seed Farmer, a hands-on guide to seed production. The Seed Farmer by Dan Brisebois. Get the book and start growing and saving your own seeds this farming season! PLEASE make sure to subscribe to the podcast, download our episodes, and rate them! Your support means the world to us. Thank you! Sponsors Tessier Use promo code MGI10 for 10% off and free shipping on your first purchase. Applicable for the Eastern North American regions (Ontario, the Maritimes, and the states of Vermont, Maine, New York, and New Hampshire).  http://bit.ly/3EAehQN New Society Publishing Use code market25 for 25% off all books. Heirloom  Limited time offer of 20% off yearly subscription and use promo code PODCAST to get an extra month of free trial. Market Gardener Institute Limited time offer of $99 USD on our online course Introduction To Organic Farming. www.themarketgardener.com/introduction  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/ Follow Us Website: http://themarketgardener.com  Facebook: http://facebook.com/marketgardenerinstitute  Instagram: http://instagram.com/themarketgardeners   Guest Social Media Links Dan: Website: https://danbrisebois.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danbrisebois.farm Tourne-Sol Farm & Seed Company: https://fermetournesol.qc.ca  JM: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeanmartinfortier Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jeanmartinfortier  Timestamps [2:21] Dan’s journey into farming and how he co-founded Tourne-Sol Farm. [5:56] Starting a cooperative farm: Challenges and lessons learned. [10:42] Is a fully self-sufficient seed farm realistic or just a dream? [15:14] Open-pollinated vs. hybrid seeds: Understanding the differences. [20:07] Managing cross-pollination anxiety and best practices. [25:32] Why market gardeners should consider growing at least some of their own seed. [30:45] The profitability of seed crops compared to vegetable crops. [35:18] Growing seed in different climates: Adapting to humidity and regional challenges. [40:04] Using greenhouses for seed production and improving quality. [45:39] How market gardeners can integrate seed saving without disrupting production. [50:51] The cooperative structure of Tourne-Sol Farm and its long-term success. [55:20] Holistic management and work-life balance in a co-op farm. [1:00:12] The realities of running a seed business: Marketing, sales, and logistics. [1:05:46] Dan’s book The Seed Farmer: Why it’s a must-read for growers. [1:10:28] The moment Dan realized he wanted to be a farmer. [1:15:14] Reflections on the future of seed sovereignty and resilient farming. [1:30:00] Rapid fire Q&A, Wheel Of Time novel series by Robert Jordan