August 1, 2017
Pursuing ambitious land stewardship goals through pasture lambing “I am a grass farmer,” Adam MacLean tells me. We’re standing adjacent to an idyllic piece of green pasture in South Melville, tucked away off one of the Island’s many country roads. The field is full of ewes and lambs—282 four-legged ruminators to be precise—happily grazing the land. Pairs of lambs intermittently…
August 1, 2017
PEI Island food at the heart of experiential tourism business “The purpose of life, after all, is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly without fear for richer and newer experience.” Eleanor Roosevelt For many Islanders, the prospect of doing farm chores or tonging for oysters is likely to conjure up some choice thoughts…
August 1, 2017
Wheels have started to turn a little faster for the Island food truck scene When people think of dining on PEI, they might think of lobster suppers, eclectic rural eateries, and our ever-growing restaurant scene. But food trucks are catching the attention of the hungry diner, and wheeled-meals are making their mark on the Island foodscape. Many food truck vendors…
August 1, 2017
PEI Fishermen’s Association gets behind theatrical production, Glenda’s Kitchen, to raise awareness of the Island fishery Seafood chowder and butter biscuits. Storytelling and singing. Each of these quintessential Island pairings is a treat unto itself, but blend them together and you’ve got the recipe for a perfect afternoon filled with heart and hearty goodness. Glenda’s Kitchen, a production of The…
August 1, 2017
On July 6, 2017, six of SALTY’s team took part in a media farm tour organized by PEI Certified Organic Producer Co-operative (COPC). Along with other members of the media, government, food industry, and Maritime farming community we toured five organic farms in central PEI. We learned many interesting facts along the way. Here are my top 11: 11. Typical…
August 1, 2017
Isle Saint-Jean Farm opens on-site shop near Rustico Working from home is the day-to-day for every farmer —the barns and fields are their workstations, the livestock their temporary colleagues. But at the end of the day, farmers usually have to venture beyond their farmsteads to reach customers. There are some, however, like Deirdre and Gabriel Mercier of Isle Saint-Jean Farm,…
August 1, 2017
The humble potato has had a rough go of things lately. What was once a staple on dinner plates across Canada has now been consigned by many to the “unhealthy” category of foods—and to me, that’s a great shame. Not only are potatoes full of many essential nutrients, they’re a great, cost-effective ingredient that can be enjoyed in so many…
August 1, 2017
Riverview Country Market showcases local food entrepreneurs’ products With scores of new local products and a busy cafe serving up unique beverages, Riverview Country Market has changed since my last visit. I’d only been to Riverview a handful of times; this time it was their new coffee offerings featured on Instagram that drew me in. From Fat Coffee (coffee with…
August 1, 2017
Fall Flavours Festival highlights three communities with a new event series From shipbuilding to lobster fishing, seaweed harvesting and lighthouse-keeping, the waters that hug our gorgeous sandbar have profoundly shaped every aspect of Island life. And the coastal communities that were born from the first outposts of PEI’s Acadian and European settlers still remain integral to the Island way of…
August 1, 2017
Bylaws in some Island municipalities make it difficult for residents to pursue food security and sustainability goals With food prices ever increasing and a growing disconnect from farming, many Islanders are taking it upon themselves to regain some control over their food supply. While backyard gardens are the most common means of doing so, backyard animals are gaining popularity, with…