Why is pei famous for potatoes

PEI also has an active honeybee industry. A diverse range of greenhouse and field vegetables are produced in PEI. These include: carrots, cabbage, cauliflowers, onion, tomatoes and cucumber. In , carrots were the largest field vegetable, in terms of area planted and total production. In , the total land area used for carrot plantation was acres, and the total production was just over 14, tons. Vegetables are an important cash crop for some Island farmers.

They are mainly available as fresh farm products for consumers in Atlantic Canada. A core group of diversified growers produce a significant percentage of the fresh market vegetable acreage. Organic production continues to expand across Prince Edward Island. There are 47 Certified Organic producers on PEI with approximately 11, acres of certified organic farmland.

PEI organic farmers produce potatoes, carrots, beets, soybeans, forages, hemp, grains, small fruits, diversified mixed produce market gardens , beef and a range of value-added products including animal feed rations, cold-pressed canola oil, fries and hashbrowns, flour, baking mixes, ferments and preserves.

The beef industry in PEI is comprised of four interconnected sectors: cow-calf, backgrounding, feedlot and processors. Cattle are processed in the province at the federally-inspected Atlantic Beef Products facility and also at provincially-inspected abattoirs.

Dairy production in PEI is highly specialized andmechanized. Rigorous inspection programs cover every phase of production, from the health of the cow through to the finished product.

As of July , the total number of cattle in PEI was 61, head of those, 13, were dairy cows and 6, were dairy heifers. In , farms reported milk shipment. Milk sold off-farm totaled In , there were 19 commercial hog operations on PEI. Hog farming throughout Canada has become very efficient and maintains very high bio-security standards. The Island provides a distinct advantage for growing high quality potatoes as the ocean acts as a natural barrier against airborne or insect-borne diseases. As well, this easy access to the ocean facilitates transportation of the crop, while limited points of entry allow us to fully control the movement of potatoes into and out of the province.

Recognized for their ideal taste and quality, there are currently over varieties of PEI Potatoes that are currently shipped to over 20 countries across the world. Over 86, acres of potatoes are grown on PEI each year, making it the largest commercial crop grown on the Island.

The potato industry is worth over one billion dollars to the Prince Edward Island economy every year, which includes the value of the crop, the direct employment generated, as well as the additional services and industries. As the 1 potato producing province in Canada, and the leading export for PEI, we're no small potatoes!

Island growers practice environmentally sustainable farming practices and follow the most stringent environmental, economic, and social standards in Canada. PEI has the highest adoption rate in Canada for completion of Enhanced Environmental Farm Plans, which help farmers develop sustainable operational plans.

PEI farmers understand the need to protect our land, waterways, air, and species, since our Island is very susceptible to changes in the natural environment. Growers help develop and implement strict environmental regulations in order to protect our environment for generations to come. Additionally, being an island provides a distinct advantage for growing high-quality potatoes as the ocean acts as a natural barrier against airborne and insect-borne diseases.

Approximately 2. In fact, PEI produces more potatoes for Canada than any other province, despite being the smallest in size. This planning helps farmers develop practical farm operation plans in a way that is environmentally sustainable, socially acceptable, and economically viable.

The potato industry also works in partnership with the provincial government to educate growers on best management practices, including managing pests responsibly, improving soil fertility, eliminating soil erosion, and improving plant health. A favourite for their versatility, Russet potatoes are medium to large in size and oval or oblong in shape. They are ideal for French fries, mashed potatoes, dry baked potatoes, and scalloped potatoes.

Loaded with potassium, fibre, complex carbohydrates, and other nutrients, potatoes are ideal for infants starting solid foods and toddlers as an essential part of a healthy diet.

Store your PEI potatoes in a cool place, but not in the refrigerator. Your kitchen cupboard could be too warm and will cause the potatoes to sprout, shrivel, or lose nutrients and moisture.

An outside wall, dark closet or the basement are good for potato storage.