[FreshPrince]

Yep you describe the “alternative” supply chain that is growing quite well. I am quite aware of it here locally and
have friends engaged in it full time.

[Pollard]

All those no-till market gardeners place themselves near a metro area with lots of people who are into the organic food scene and have money. Those market gardeners are getting $7/8/9 per pound. I could never get that around here but I can grow for myself using some of the same techniques.

A lot of them have a heavy social media presence on facebook, instagram and make youtube videos and they monetize all of those with affiliate links, usually amazon. Many will write a book. Some get into training/courses. That style of farming is labor intensive so when they start getting to middle aged, they do those other things or get big enough to hire most of the labor. They do everything from starting seeds to harvesting, washing and packaging, manning a booth at the farmer's market or marketing and delivering to restaurants. Gotta be good to supply restaurants.

They've got some pretty little farms

Veggies, veggies and more veggies and maybe some strawberries.