P.E.I. Sweet Corn Season Faces Cheaper Competition from Quebec

Prince Edward Island's sweet corn season is finally catching up after a cold spring delayed growth. However, this coincides with cheaper corn from Quebec flooding into local stores.

Farmers on P.E.I. experienced a slow start to the season due to unseasonable weather in May and June. Matthew Compton of Compton's Farm Market in Summerside noted that corn does not like cold soil and requires warm temperatures for optimal growth.

Compton used biodegradable plastic to create a greenhouse effect, warming the soil and allowing his crop to germinate faster. His market is now selling sweet corn at $1 per cob or 14 for $9, keeping prices steady from last year.

Keddy's Corn in Montague is also preparing to open soon, but owners Mark Verleun and his wife are monitoring the impact of Quebec's bumper crop on local prices. They have not raised their prices in four years and hope consumers will support local farmers by paying a premium for P.E.I.-grown produce.

While cheaper corn from Quebec may be tempting, Compton emphasized that buying locally supports the economy and allows farmers to reinvest profits back into the community.