“With an annual contribution to the Prince Edward Island economy approaching one billion dollars Agriculture continues to be one of Prince Edward Islands’ most important economic drivers”. Prince Edward Island Progressive Conservative leadership candidate Brad Trivers stated. “And as such the agriculture industry deserves our support.” Farms on Prince Edwards Island continue to deliver a […]
Community Supported Agriculture
Have you signed up for a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) program in your area yet? I would highly recommend it! Here is my member’s statement about CSA’s from the legislature April 11, 2017. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to recognize the many Community Supported Agriculture programs in our province – also known as CSA’s. A CSA […]
Stopping Fish Kills Requires Cooperation – Not Confrontation
So, now we have more dead fish this summer, in another Island watershed. How can this be? One thing for sure – we have to stop playing the “blame game” – especially with our Island farmers. August 22, 2016 – Officials investigating discovery of dead fish Government officials have confirmed a report of dead fish discovered in the […]
Local Food Act Input
This is an incredibly important piece of legislation, primarily because we need to ensure long-term food security on the Island for all – and work to prevent food waste. Also because of the economic impact buying local can have. Import substitution is just as effective as export growth when it comes to economic impact. One […]
Government Tender Prefers off-Island Suppliers
When buying meat for 17 provincial institutions the “Provincial Protein Tender” specifies a preference for off-Island brands from large multi-national companies: “Preference shall be given to brand name specified on the “Request for Pricing Form” but brand name equivalents may be considered at the discretion of Health PEI.” You can download and view the spreadsheet […]
Beef cattle financial protection program not working for farmers
The Ontario Beef Cattle Financial Protection Program is accessible to PEI producers that ship cattle to plants in Ontario. It is alleged that the The Livestock Financial Protection Board that administers the program works in favour of the licensed dealers, as opposed the producer – specific details of a PEI case are available in confidence. References Ontario […]
Beef cattle boarded on PEI but owned off-Island so sent away for killing
Many of the beef cattle on PEI are boarded here, but owned off-Island (e.g. owners in Ontario or Quebec). When it is time for butchering the owner requests that the cattle are shipped to the owner’s plant of choice instead of going to Atlantic Beef Products.
Cattle sale process improvements needed (billing, grading)
The bills of sale from the sale of cattle to brokers and not always meet the legal requirements needed to prove that the cattle were sold by the producer (e.g. in a court of law). Legislation should be put in place to ensure that bills of sale are consistent and legal. When cattle are purchased by […]
Cattle prices inconsistent at Atlantic Beef Products
“PEI farmers are being paid less for cattle of same quality than those purchased from off-Island (e.g. Quebec) – between $0.20 and $0.50 per pound after trucking expenses. As well there are price discrepancies between what is paid to farmers on-Island that appear to be biased based on personal connections.”
Expand dead stock program
“Dead Stock program should be expanded so farmers don’t dump carcasses in woods.”
