The Maritimes
New Brunswick
New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island—collectively known as the ‘Maritime’ provinces—jut out into the Atlantic Ocean in easternmost Canada. The largest of the three, New Brunswick, is home to the St. John River Valley, which is the province’s primary growing region.
In the valley, winter temperatures often plummet to -20⁰ F or more, precluding the cultivation of most tree fruit. An exception is the hearty apple, of which several varieties manage to thrive. Cranberries are also cultivated in New Brunswick, but, as with many other regions in Canada, blueberries are the commanding fruit crop.
The more valuable vegetable crops for this 28,000-square-foot territory were cabbage, corn, and beans. Rutabagas, cucumbers, and summer squash are also cultivated, though on a limited basis. New Brunswick sends a number of its fruit and vegetable shipments to its southerly neighbor, exporting vegetables valued in the $7 to $10 million range each year.
Prince Edward Island
Prince Edward Island (PEI) is the True North’s potato heavyweight, contributing 33 percent of total supply. What makes this region ideal for potatoes is the “unique mineral composition of its soil,” according to Gary Linkletter, president of Linkletter Farms, Ltd. in Summerside. Linkletter says this particular combination produces “great quality and flavor to our spuds.”
Potato season starts early on this tiny but mighty isle. “New” potatoes are dug beginning in late July, with the main crops (round red, white, and yellow) unearthed in September. The season usually finishes with culinary-versatile russets.
The isle planted 89,000 acres in 2013. The top table variety is “Goldrush” a russet known for its excellent flavor. The downside is the variety’s fussiness, requiring near-perfect growing conditions—which were lacking in 2012 and 2013’s drought conditions. Luckily, other varieties like Chieftain, Sangre, and dark red Norlands took up the slack. Linkletter has also been experimenting with other varieties including Classic Russet, Satina, Tebina and Melody—all of which tolerate dry weather—and better yet, he says, they taste good.
Kensington and O’Leary are the main growing regions. Half of the table potato crop is consumed domestically, with 20 percent going to the United States, and 30 percent exported to as many as 20 other countries, according to the PEI Agriculture and Forestry Department.
Most PEI potatoes are grown conventionally. While there are a few organic growers, Linkletter commented, “We will not likely move into organic. Challenges with controlling blight will keep us from moving into this still niche market.”
