After experiencing a chilly spring that hampered growth, the corn season in Prince Edward Island is now making progress, coinciding with the arrival of competitively priced corn from Quebec in supermarkets.
Matthew Compton, the owner of Compton’s Farm Market in Summerside, noted that the colder-than-usual May and June delayed the commencement of the sweet corn harvest. Despite this setback, he maintained the usual planting quantities, emphasizing the need for warm soil and temperatures to foster corn growth.
To expedite the readiness of a portion of his crop, Compton utilized clear, biodegradable plastic coverings to create a greenhouse effect, aiding in soil warming and accelerating corn germination and development. The early-harvested corn has been available for sale since the beginning of the week, boasting exceptional quality and flavor enhanced by recent rainfall and warm weather.
Although the main sweet corn crop in the fields is slightly lagging, Compton highlighted the importance of timing, citing the peak demand for sweet corn during midsummer when tourists visit the island and families purchase corn for activities like campfires and barbecues. Delaying the season into September could diminish demand significantly.
On the other side of the island, Mark Verleun and his wife manage Keddy’s Corn in Montague, where they also faced challenges from the cold and wet spring. However, with improved weather conditions from the start of July, the corn is progressing well after an initial slow start.
Both farmers are closely monitoring the situation in Quebec, where an excess of sweet corn production has led to reduced prices for consumers due to oversupply. The availability of Quebec corn in the Maritimes has put pressure on local prices, prompting Compton to keep his prices steady at $1 per cob or 14 for $9.
Verleun echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of maintaining competitive prices to avoid losing market share. Despite the temptation for consumers to opt for cheaper corn, both farmers hope that support for local produce will prevail when feasible, as it directly benefits the local economy.
Compton and Verleun aim to sustain their corn supply until early October, contingent upon the impact of fall frost on the crops. Despite the challenges posed by external market factors, both farmers remain committed to providing quality produce to their customers at reasonable prices.