Farmer Stories
Ella's Forest
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A beautiful shot of the blueberry fields -
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Wild blueberries at the height of freshness -
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Delicious blueberry smoothies -
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A good looking crop
Willie Bevan of Ella's Forest, PEI shared some insights on what inspired their certified organic wild blueberry operation.
1. Tell us about your farm:
Our farm? Our farm is 400 acre pile of sand on a much larger sandbar named Prince Edward Island. Once known by locals as soil so poor a rabbit had to pack a lunch to run across, we now grow wild blueberries on this land.
2. Why did you become certified organic?
Organic? Simple answer - she will turn eighteen this year. Our daughter Ella. We wanted her to grow up with a healthy diet and learn how to grow healthy food for others
3. What’s been your biggest challenge?
Farmers face so many challenges. Besides sourcing organic additives to our fields,our biggest challenge has been visibility for our products. Build it and they will come ? Not always the case.
4. What gets you out of bed in the morning?
Oooh. We would love to sleep in just once.
The desire to build something larger for my family and community laces up our boots every morning.
5. What advice would you give to new/young farmers?
Just go for it !! Also farm a product not a commodity. It’s a bumpier road but the destination is worth the ride.
Where to buy: Ella's Forest website
Learn more about Ella's Forest: Depth of Field Documentary Series