Following a chilly spring that hindered growth, the corn season on Prince Edward Island is now beginning to recover — just as more affordable corn from Quebec makes its way into grocery stores.
Matthew Compton, the proprietor of Compton’s Farm Market in Summerside, noted that May and June experienced cooler than usual temperatures. Although this delayed the sweet corn harvest, he maintained his planting quantity.
“Corn does not thrive in cold soil,” he explained. “It requires warm soil and higher temperatures to flourish.”
To ensure part of his harvest was ready sooner, Compton used clear, biodegradable plastic over some of his crops. This material creates a greenhouse effect, warming the soil and accelerating germination and growth.
“We’ve been selling since Monday,” he mentioned during an interview with CBC News on Thursday.
“The quality is outstanding, and the flavor is incredible. It’s remarkable what a little rain and warmth can achieve.”
-
Wheat and corn crops in Canada’s Prairies, U.S. Midwest could see biggest losses due to climate change
-
More P.E.I. growers picking corn as a ‘win-win’ crop
Nevertheless, Compton mentioned that his primary sweet corn crop in the fields is slightly behind schedule.
Timing is crucial.
He indicated that sweet corn demand peaks during midsummer, particularly when tourists are visiting the Island, and families are purchasing corn for campfires and barbecues.
“We have a limited window with our sweet corn,” Compton stated. “The later it extends into September, the demand decreases significantly.”
Compton utilizes clear, corn-based biodegradable plastic to warm the soil and ensure an earlier crop. By this point in the season, he says the plastic has decomposed so much ‘you wouldn’t even know’ it was ever in the field. (Matthew Compton)
Across the Island, Mark Verleun and his wife manage Keddy’s Corn in Montague, and he also highlighted the impact of a cold, wet spring.
“May and June were particularly cold, wet, and windy,” he remarked. “We planted corn that took 16 days to germinate, resulting in a slow start, but it’s progressing now.”
He mentioned that the weather began to improve around early July.
An increase in corn may seem beneficial for corn enthusiasts, but a surplus elsewhere could negatively impact profits for Island farmers this year. Matthew Compton, of Compton’s Farm Market, and Mark Verleun, of Keddy’s Corn, discuss the beginning of the sweet corn season.
Verleun anticipates opening for the season early next week. He has planned his planting to ensure corn is available until October 1, but the actual duration of the season will be contingent on the arrival of fall frost.
Last year, Keddy’s managed to sell corn through the Thanksgiving weekend, but an early frost this fall could curtail the season earlier than anticipated, he noted.
Quebec corn puts pressure on local prices
Both farmers are keeping an eye on developments in Quebec.
After a slow start, farmers in Quebec are now harvesting more sweet corn than local stores can accommodate, leading to a decrease in prices for consumers. Corn from Quebec can be easily transported into the Maritimes.
Compton mentioned that this situation can undermine local pricing.
“If there’s an excess of corn in Quebec, that impacts prices in the Maritimes,” he explained.
“It’s beneficial for consumers, providing them with a more affordable corn option. [However], it also pushes us … to potentially lower price levels for our corn.”
At his market, Compton has kept prices consistent with last year: $1 per ear, or 14 for $9.
After a slow start to the season, Quebec farmers are harvesting an abundance of sweet corn, leading to lower prices for consumers. Despite tighter margins on corn, farmers are enjoying a successful summer due to excellent yields from other vegetables.
Verleun stated that Keddy’s has also maintained its prices, having not increased them in four years.
“You don’t want to price yourself out of the market,” he mentioned.
Compton acknowledged that while customers may be inclined to opt for cheaper corn found in stores, he hopes that when feasible, they will choose to pay a bit more for local produce.
“If you can support your local farmer and spend a little extra… that money goes right back into the local economy.”