Introducing Rob Green, the dedicated third-generation farmer behind Greenfield Farms Ltd. in Bedeque, PEI. While the Greens primarily focus on growing potatoes, they also incorporate rotational crops such as barley, wheat, and canola.
Rob’s journey in agriculture began back in high school when he realized his passion for growing food and giving back to his community.
“The main reason I chose to farm is that I enjoyed growing food. It was a rewarding situation whenever you knew you had a good crop on the farm.”
Rob Green, Greenfield Farms Ltd.
Rob’s dedication to the agricultural sector extends beyond his farm. He actively contributes to the industry by serving as a Director on the PEI Potato Board and as a member of the PEI Agriculture Sector Council. His involvement allows him to advocate for farmers’ interests and work collaboratively to shape the future of Island farming.
For Rob, enhancing farming practices to be more environmentally sustainable is of utmost importance. For example, the Greens employ cover cropping, use soil-building rotation crops and adopt reduced till practices to minimize soil disturbance. Moreover, they have also been involved in planting willow riparian buffers to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, a project that was supported by the AAFC Agricultural Greenhouse Gases Program. By planting willow trees on their land, Rob has created a natural area that sequesters carbon, mitigates greenhouse gas emissions and reduces nutrient runoff.
Despite the joys of farming, Rob acknowledges that it is not easy. Among the challenges he faces, the negative perceptions of farmers online are particularly disheartening. Rob emphasizes that farmers, like himself, strive to protect the environment and work tirelessly to ensure their practices align with sustainability. It is Rob’s hope that further understanding and collaboration between the public and the agricultural industry will be fostered in future years.
“I’d like to get people to become more lenient in working with agriculture rather than against it.”
Rob Green, Greenfield Farms Ltd
With each passing year, Greenfield Farms continues to evolve, implementing innovative practices that align with its commitment to becoming more environmentally, economically and socially sustainable. In his efforts to promote the adoption of beneficial management practices, Rob hopes to bridge the gap between the farming community and the public. Rob’s unwavering dedication and genuine passion for farming serve as a beacon of inspiration for fellow farmers and the broader community alike.