In this episode, we sit down with Francisco Vio of ‘Huerto Cuatro Estaciones’ farm in Chile, to explore the wild world of living and farming in remote Patagonia. From early mentors in Ecuador to building an organic farm at the edge of the world, Francisco shares how beauty, land stewardship, and community have shaped his choices. The conversation weaves together farming, conservation, and the influence of figures like Doug Tompkins who helped create some of the world’s largest protected wilderness areas. Francisco reflects on how small-scale market gardening fits in to the vision and context of national parks and he reminds us that farming is not just a business, but a way of life; a beautiful way of life.

Timestamps

[6:45] A life-changing stay on an organic farm in Ecuador and the role of early mentors.

[12:40] Discovering small-scale organic farming and the search for a meaningful way of life.

[18:05] Doug Tompkins, conservation, and the creation of national parks in Patagonia.

[26:30] Choosing to farm in extreme isolation and what it demands on a daily basis.

[33:20] Living far from markets: logistics, importing tools, and building local solutions.

[40:15] Farming as a cultural act: beauty, place, and community beyond productivity.

[48:10] Why staying small matters and resisting the pressure to scale at all costs.

[55:30] Learning from global farm visits and the value of traveling to stay inspired.

[1:03:40] Parenthood, responsibility, and redefining success as a farmer.

[1:11:55] Failure, long-term vision, and committing fully to a chosen path.

[1:13:28] Rapid fire Q&A: books, advice to young farmers, food, and pivotal life decisions.

Sponsors

Real Organic Project: Get Involved. Get Certified. Join the movement to fight the co-opting of organic.

Activevista: Specialised Tools and Seeds for Diversified Crop and Home Growers

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/

Follow Us

Website: http://themarketgardener.com 

Facebook: http://facebook.com/marketgardenerinstitute 

Instagram: http://instagram.com/themarketgardeners 

Guest Social Media Links

Francisco Vio:

Website: https://huertocuatroestaciones.cl

Instagram: https://instagram.com/huertocuatroestaciones 

Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/huertocuatroestaciones 

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@huertocuatroestaciones5844 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/105164245 

JM:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeanmartinfortier
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jeanmartinfortier