June 1, 2018
Government program focuses on environment Charles Murphy is no stranger to agriculture. For 50 years he has been growing seed potatoes, wheat, and non-GMO soybeans in China Point, east of Stratford. Since the arrival of the first Murphy family ancestors from Ireland in the early 1800s, six generations have farmed this land. Charles and his wife, Wilhelmena, purchased the family…
May 1, 2018
A glimpse at agricultural labour shortages in PEI After meeting with Laurie Loane, executive director of the PEI Agriculture Sector Council, the take-home message was this: labour shortage in agriculture is a complex topic. Family farms without successors, increasing use of automated systems, erratic employment for labourers, and barriers for minority groups to enter the sector are a few of…
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…
May 1, 2018
Traps to be set May and June in fourth trial season of integrative pest management for wireworm “The problem is the solution.” Famous words from permaculture guru Bill Mollison. A phrase that sounds paradoxical. Yet, isn’t all great wisdom? In recent years PEI has experienced a growing problem that has cost the potato industry millions. Three introduced species of European…
May 1, 2018
PEI farmers discovering Island conditions can be ideal for hops For centuries, hops have been grown and used as medicinal plants as well as a key component in brewing beer. Despite the multitude of craft breweries opening in our region in recent years, farming hops is only now slowly catching on. Currently there are approximately 27 acres of hops being…
May 1, 2018
Tracing the roots of this perennial plant Hops have been a part of the landscape for centuries. Whether they are a wild species, or descendants of plants brought into the fields by European settlers, they can be found across PEI. Chris Long, head brewer at the PEI Brewing Company said there are definitely local hops out there in the wild.…
March 31, 2018
Reconnecting consumers to producers with Community Supported Agriculture “Eating is an agricultural act,” said great writer, activist, and farmer Wendell Berry. If you consume food you are a participant in agriculture, and so we all are. Not that long ago people grew most, or all, of their food and if they didn’t grow it themselves, they often knew who did.…
March 31, 2018
VEGETABLE CSAs Jen and Derek’s Farm Located in the Wilmot Valley, pick up in Summerside. Produce also available at the Bedeque Village Store and Farmed-Market and Craft Butchery in Summerside, Riverview Market in Charlottetown, and Arlington Orchard farm stands at Stratford, Ellens Creek and Miscouche. Little Victory Microfarms Located in New Glasgow. Pick up in Charlottetown and New Glasgow. …
March 1, 2018
Epekwitk Gardens & Preserves engages youth through land stewardship The Epekwitk Gardens and Preserves project began five years ago when leaders of the First Nation community felt it was important to create an opportunity for their future generations. Reconnecting youth to their ancestral roots of stewardship and community was identified as a priority for the Band. According to Chief Brian…
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…