Institutional Market Opportunities for PEI Organics: Creating a pathway to food security through import replacement and a strengthened local food system
Author(s): Morgan Palmer for the PEI COPC
Date of Publication: 2023
The institutional market on PEI represents a large market share which is currently untapped by PEI organic producers. This research project examined PEI institutional market opportunities and challenges and examined the potential impact of local food procurement on carbon emissions, local rural economies and food security.
Link to study: 2023 Institutional Market Opportunities Final Report
Creating a Market Access Strategy for PEI Organic Products
Author(s): Sebastian Manago and Mac McCabe for the PEI COPC
Date of Publication: 2021
The objective of the study was to identify market opportunities for PEI grown organic product. The first step in that exercise was to define a product list. This list was inspired by crops currently grow, crops currently exported by Canada and crops that have been identified as being of interest to the PEI COPC.
Link to study: 2021 Market Access Strategy Report
Measuring the Impact of the Organic Agriculture Industry on Prince Edward Island Using Economic, Environmental and Social Indicators
Author(s): Fitzpatrick & Co. for the PEI COPC
Date of Publication: 2017
Prince Edward Island Certified Organic Producers Cooperative (PEI COPC) is actively involved in representing 50 of the Island’s organic producers, consisting of approximately 10,000 acres of certified organic farmland. In the fall of 2017 PEI COPC had an impact study completed by Fitzpatrick & Co.
Link to study: PEI COPC Impact Study
ACORN’s Atlantic Organic Production Survey
Author(s): Atlantic Canadian Organic Regional Network (ACORN)
Date of Publication: March 2017
ACORN’s Atlantic Organic Production Survey gathers the voices of organic producers and processors to glean insight into their current operations and plans for the future. Information is collected biannually on subjects relating to farming practices, type of organic production, reasons for organic certification, land use and infrastructure, and markets.
There were a total of 82 surveys from all four Atlantic Provinces.
Link to survey report: Atlantic Organic Production Survey Report (1)
A Comprehensive Examination of the Cost, Logistical and Fulfillment Barriers to Incorporating Organic and Locally Grown Products Into An Existing School Lunch Program
Author(s): Hanna Hameline
Date of Publication: 2017
In partnership with the Queen Elizabeth Elementary School (QEES) Home & School Association, the PEI Certified Organic Producers Cooperative (PEI COPC) worked with the Lunch Program Manager at the school, to develop a cost-effective and sustainable model for inclusion of of local and organic food products into their established lunch program.
Link to project report: here.
Organic Oat Variety Evaluation Final Report 2018
Author(s): V. Rodd, R. Henry, A. Cummiskey, A. Foster, A. Mills & S. Fillmore
Date of Publication: 2017
Researchers at the Harrington Research Farm established an organic oat cultivar trial in the organic block. The trial consisted of eight oat cultivars including the common oat (believed to be Marion) and three rates of nitrogen in the form of pelletized chicken manure (8, 16 and 36 kg N/ha). Determined were yield, hectare litre weight, and 1000 kernel weight.
Link to final report: Organic Oat Variety Trials Final report 2017
Link to interim report: Organic_Oat_Variety_Trials_Interim_report_2017
Organic Soil Health Indicators Project Report
Author(s): PEI COPC
Date of Publication: 2017
This project proposed to undertake a comprehensive suite of soil analyses under the current defined protocols of the Cornell Soil Health Test (CSHT), using samples collected from a number of organic farms across the province. These samples were also analysed using established chemical, physical and biological methodologies at the PEI Analytical Laboratories and AAFC Mills Lab in Charlottetown as well as the Dal Ac Burton Lab in Truro, NS.
Link to project report: APPENDIXVI_Soil Health Project Final Report_PEICOPC
Late Blight in Heritage Tomato Selections- Project Report
Author(s): PEI COPC, based on the results of field trials led by Dr. Rick Peters
Date of Publication: 2017
Eight heirloom tomato selections from two certified organic farms that had exhibited traits of resistance to late blight (phytophthora infestans) were introduced into the late blight resistance screening trials at Agriculture & Agri Food Canada (AAFC) led by Dr. Rick Peters. This report provides a summary of the results of the trials.
Link to project report: Appendix V_Late Blight in Heirloom Tomato Interim Summary
Evaluation of Organic Cropping Systems for Profit and Sustainability in a Maritime Climate: Exploring new technologies in nutrient management and weed, pest, and pathogen control
Author(s): V. Rodd, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Date of Publication: 2017
An organic rotational experiment was initiated in the spring of 2013 in the newly-certified organic block at the Harrington Research Farm of Agriculture and Agri-Food’s Charlottetown Research and Development Centre. The trial consisted of eight rotations laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design with each block consisting of a phase of a four year rotation (staggered start apporach). Various crop and soil parameters were measured during and at the end of this trial.
Link to final report: here
2016 COPC Wireworm study
Author(s): PEI COPC
Date of Publication: 2016
31 Vernon (pheromone) traps and 42 light traps were installed on various organic farms across PEI. The efficacy of the traps in reducing wireworm damage to crops was observed over a period of approximately 65 days in Summer 2016.
Link to research summary: 2016_Wireworm_Study_Results_Summary
2016 COPC Soybean Variety Trials
Author(s): PEI COPC
Date of Publication: 2016
Twenty-two varieties of food-grade soybeans were evaluated from 2013-2015, examining yield and quality performance.
Link to research summary: 2016_ PEI_COPC_Soybean_Research_Summary
Ash as a Soil Amendment in Organic Carrot Production
Author(s): PEI Horticultural Association
Date of Publication: 2016
Plant ash by-product from an Island greenhouse heating system could replace imported sulfate of potash (SOP). The plant ash has significant levels of phosphorus, potassium oxide and calcium. The objective of this project was to compare the effect of ash to SOP applications in organic carrot production, specifically as it impacts carrot tissue nutrient status, plant stand, field disease, yield, and storage of carrots.
Link to project report: 2016_Ash_as_a_Soil_Amendment-PEIHA
2013-2015 Organic Soybean Variety/Fertility Evaluations
Author(s): Brian Craig & Harvey Cairns
Date of Publication: 2015
Plots of soybeans were divided between a treatment of potassium sulfate ( 200 lbs/acre), applied before seeding out, and a non-fertilized treatment. Soil samples were collected and analyzed at the PEI Provincial Soil Laboratory.
Link to report: 2012_Soybean_Report2016_3- year_final_Soybean_Craig_Cairns
Organic Red Beet Grower’s Manual
Author(s): PEI ADAPT Council, Middlekamp Organic Produce & Hakkers Produce
Date of Publication: 2014
The PEI COPC developed this manual from a literature review and field observations in response to a request for local organic red beets. The information is based on one production season.
Link to manual: 2014_Organic_Red_Beet_Growing_Manual
Organic Vegetable Fertility Trials
Date of Publication: 2013
The following project is an evaluation of the performance of locally available P.E.I. fertility additives in an organic vegetable production system. The project observed the effects of different additives on the production and profitability of broccoli and carrots.
Partners included the PEI ADAPT Council, the PEI Certified Organic Producers Co-operative, the PEI Horticultural Association Inc., and Red Soil Organics.
Link to project report: 2014_Organic_Veg_Fertility_Trials_2012-2013_final_report
Prince Edward Island Organic Soybean Market Study and Strategic Plan
Author(s): Ronda Bellefontaine for the PEI COPC
Date of Publication: March 2012
This report was prepared for the PEI Certified Organic Producers Co-operative by consultant Ronda Bellefontaine (P. Ag.).
The consultant measured current levels of soybean production in Canada. Then she searched information on potential markets for organic soybean production starting with Atlantic Canada, followed by other Canadian markets and United States (US) markets.
The consultant developed a strategic plan, then completed market research based on the short term direction identified by growers in their action plan.
Link to report: 2012_Soybean_Report
Organic Grains and Cereals Market Research Study
Author(s): MacArthur Group Inc. for the PEI COPC
Date of Publication: March 2004
Link to study: Organic Grains & Cereal Market Research study