Thierry Lison is a market gardener , permaculture teacher , AND marine biologist from French Polynesia . In this episode we explore how Thierry's career in marine biology and a passion for surfing led him to focus on the devastating effects of industrial agriculture on coral reefs , and ultimately start a market garden on a tiny tropical island. His farm, Vaihuti Fresh , blends the principles of permaculture with the strategies of high-yield market gardening while making a positive social impact in the unique context of the Polynesian islands. From coconut-peat soil mix and crabs as garden pests to worldwide biodiversity loss ; this wide ranging conversation will give you plenty to think about! PLEASE make sure to subscribe to the podcast, download our episodes, and rate them! Your support means the world to us. Thank you! Sponsors Bootstrap Farmer https://www.bootstrapfarmer.com/ Market Gardener Institute https://themarketgardener.com/courses Use promo code podcast15 for 15% off these select courses: Mastering Greenhouse Production 8 Most Profitable Crops Season Extension Strategies Market Gardening & Organic Farming for Beginners Winter Farming Strategies Timestamps [5:51] Background in marine biology studying coral reefs [9:45] Starting a farm in Polynesia [14:59] Link between permaculture and market gardening {24:01] Crabs as garden pests {24:49] Research with biochar, coconut husk, and mycorrhizal fungi [34:14] Rewarding farmers for benefitting ecosystem [36:00] Loss of biodiversity [38:46] Cooperative cold-storage and nurseries on the island [43:31] Making coconut-peat [49:25] Unique history and economy of Polynesia [50:12] Covid as turning point for food sovereignty [55:39] Conventional farmers transitioning to organic [1:02:05] Education on the farm [1:07:08] Unique challenges of farming on a tropical island [1:17:05] Indigenous tradition on the islands [1:26:10] Permaculture Design Handbook by Bill Mollison [1:26:42] Jean-Marc Jancovici's 'World Without End' [1:33:16] Quote from Charles Eisenstein 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 Thierry: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vaihuti/ Website: https://vaihutifresh.com/ JM: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeanmartinfortier Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jeanmartinfortier
