trees – apples, pears, and plums. Philip
says it has never had strawberries
because there are many other farms
offering that fruit in the area, and they
got out of raspberries two years ago.
“With PFGA, there are networking
opportunities and we can buy plants
at a reduced cost,” he said. “We would
like to expand the website to provide
more information to consumers about
the inventory that is available.”
PFGA is a member of KAP, as are
many of the association’s individual
farmers. Philip says the association with
KAP helps expand what services PFGA
members can receive, such as insurance.
For many urban dwellers, PFGA
members may be the only farmers they
FEATURE KAP COMMODITY GROUP
Cathy says the hard work happens throughout
the year and the short picking season is
the fun part. That’s when the growers
get to share the fruits of their labour.
have ever encountered, and the fruit
growers are helpful in educating their
customers about how the farm works.
The Hollands cannot imagine
another lifestyle.
“I like it,” admitted Cathy. “But it’s
hard work and there are no secrets to
getting it right. We don’t use pesticides,
so we have to weed by hand, which is a
quiet activity. I like the work and keeping
our acres looking nice. We are providing
healthy food. When our kids were small,
they could just go out in the patch and
pick and eat.”
“We only get one kick at the can
per year for profit,” Philip admitted.
“Our plants are perennials. If we get
one frost, we will be done for the year.
It’s a high-value crop, but we only get
one shot annually.”
Because of the annual risk of losing
the crop, PFGA has been looking into
crop insurance for the industry.
The archaic expression, “It’s the
berries,” meaning “it’s great” or “it’s
impressive,” is an apt description of a
small sector of agriculture that, while
works hard, provides a fun experience
to the public, and is all about, well, berries.
Cathy says the hard work happens
throughout the year and the short
picking season is the fun part. That’s
when the growers get to share the fruits
of their labours and put a friendly face
on agriculture. FV
KAP Long Distance
and Home Phone Program
Great rates mean you stay easily connected!
West Can provides preferred rates to KAP members
Long Distance:
• 4.5¢/min (Cda/U.S.)- Landline
• Discounted International Rates
• 8.0¢/min (Cda/U.S.) - any cell provider
Home Phone:
• Starting at $14.95/month Services provided by:
• Highspeed Internet required
Phone: 1-866-527-0123 (ext. 4)
Email: info@westcangroup.ca
Manitoba Farmers’ Voice § Fall 2019 § 23
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