May 1, 2018
Taking the free-range philosophy to heart at Saoirse Farms Drive down a side road that is a patchwork of old asphalt, potholes, and frost heaves in eastern PEI for a few bone-jarring kilometres and you will find Saoirse Farms. It’s a chilly but sunny April afternoon when I cautiously make my way to the farm to meet with former NDP…
March 31, 2018
When small is better: thoughts on niche markets for meat World-renowned author, speaker, and animal welfare advocate Dr Temple Grandin, paid a visit to the Island’s beef processing plant, Atlantic Beef Products Inc. (ABPI). Visiting the Maritimes as the keynote speaker for the Maritime Beef Conference in Moncton, NB, she had just enough time for a whirlwind plant tour and…
March 31, 2018
Finding common ground in school food programs A diverse group of people gathered at the PEI Farm Centre on March 15 to discuss the challenges and successes of several projects implemented as part of the PEI government’s Community Food Security and Food Education Program. Teachers, dieticians, parents, farmers, and concerned citizens participated in a robust discussion. Some of the many…
March 30, 2018
Northumberland Ferries aims to create special experiences for its passengers When you live on an island, travel to and fro can be somewhat complicated. For 77 years, Northumberland Ferries (NFL) has continued to steadfastly transport people and products across the Strait. Connecting the east end of the Island with Nova Scotia, NFL moves over 400,000 people every year. NFL wanted…
March 1, 2018
Kensington garden creation encourages community members to step forward Sometimes an idea can be planted and grow quickly. Creating a community garden in Kensington was a thought for Jamie MacKay that grew as fast as a radish in summer soil. MacKay’s passion for his community has filled up his schedule, and now his office. As the deputy provincial team lead…
March 1, 2018
Urban beehive construction continues The bees may not be buzzing about, but the folks behind the Urban Beehive Project at the Farm Centre in Charlottetown have been busy. Architects, Silva Stojak and Shallyn Murray of Nine Yards Studio (formerly BGHJ Architects), designed the demonstrative hives and now the second part of the space has been constructed. Brodye Chappell, of Brodye…
February 1, 2018
Sandy and Stephen Stewart find new revenue through innovation Down a winding secondary road in the west end of the Island is a booming business, built on hard work, family values, and innovation. H.F. Stewart is a second-generation company and their contribution to the agricultural landscape—in particular, potato agriculture—of PEI has been substantial over the past 30 years. When considering…
February 1, 2018
Catering to kid’s tastes with a lunch program From school breakfast programs to the provincial government’s Community Food Security and Food Education program introduced last spring, there is a growing recognition of students’ need for healthy, nutritious foods, both at school and at home. The phrase ‘good food’ has become synonymous with this effort to give students a firm foundation…
February 1, 2018
Proudly celebrating hard-working Canadians Did you know Canada is the world’s fifth largest agricultural exporter? From exporting Prairie-grown lentils, to PEI’s potatoes, Canada’s food fills bellies around the world. It’s time to give kudos to agriculture in Canada, and February 13th is the day to do so. “Canada’s Agriculture Day is a time to celebrate the individuals that work hard…
February 1, 2018
Plan to make your garden grow February is a short, cold month where thoughts of gardening are often buried as deeply as the fields under the snow. But it’s a great time to look ahead to warmer weather and do some planning for your gardens, be it vegetable, flower, or a combination of both. Now is a good time to…