Here’s a story in today’s Guardian, featuring Club member Gerald Dykerman, co-owner of Brookfield Gardens. Be sure to support local Island businesses like his during the pandemic! You will find Brookfield Gardens products at PEI grocery stores.
Gerald Dykerman, out standing in his field!
Depending on the kind of crop, this year is anything but typical for Island vegetable growers.
Brookfield Gardens in central P.E.I. grows vegetables for the fresh market. Co-owner Gerald Dykerman said sales are up slightly as more people cook at home during the pandemic.
He’s already growing carrots, rutabaga and beets while cabbage transplants will go in the ground very soon.
“Our business is going well, as far as demand for our product,” said Dykerman.
“People are wanting to eat fresh vegetables.”
But for the P.E.I. potato industry, this year is anything but normal.
Greg Donald, general manager of the P.E.I. Potato Board said potato sales were brisk early in the pandemic as people stocked up on groceries. Warehouses and processors were working extra shifts to meet the need.
Sales have levelled out back to normal levels now, and prices are “under a lot of pressure” due to a surplus of spuds normally destined for the food service industry.