About Atlantic Canada

Thanks to the Atlantic Ocean, the region experiences cold winters and cool humid summers - perfect conditions for fishing, farming, forestry and mining. Comprised of four provinces, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island, Atlantic Canada is known for its world-class seafood, potatoes, blueberries, wine, and wild game. Small, but mighty, this region’s diverse contributions to Canada’s food scene is nothing short of impressive!

Farming in Atlantic Canada Cooking in Atlantic Canada

PEI Potatoes

Growing potatoes isn't just a business on Prince Edward Island...it's in our nature! We have over two hundred years of experience growing high-quality potatoes on an Island that’s ideally suited to produce the best potatoes you've ever tasted thanks to our rich, red soil and clear air!

Generations of farmers have honed their skills producing potatoes that are recognized all over the world for their unique taste and excellent quality.

PEI is the largest potato-producing province in Canada, growing one-quarter of the potatoes in the country.

Is R.A Rose and Sons Ltd a family farm?

Yes, it is a family farm. I am 6th generation. I work with my Uncle and Dad. My grandfather Robert was still living when I began working on the farm but passed away in 2015.

Why did you choose to farm?

I chose to farm after a bit of time living away from PEI. I realized it was truly what I wanted to do. I like that there is new things to learn everyday and new tasks to take on. I like that it is a mix of working outside, working with your hands, as well as using your brain to solve problems.

What do you enjoy most about being a potato farmer?

As it has always been a part of our family's farm and I am 6th generation it was not necessarily a choice. However, I of course wanted to continue to build upon the years of knowledge that my family has in growing our product.

Do you or your family members consume potatoes?

Yes, of course. My favorite way to have a potato is probably a baked potato. A russet potato cooked in the oven with crispy skin, topped with butter and possibly some PEI mustard pickles or "chow".

What do you enjoy most about being a farmer?

I like that every day is something new and every time of year there is something new to take on (Planting/ Growing/ Harvest/ Packing). Each time of year has its pros and cons and I like them all but Harvest time is definitely my favorite time of year in farming; the cool autumn air all the tractors/ trucks taking in the years crop is very exciting.

Beans + Potatoes =

Winning Dinner

Try These Beans + Potato Recipes

Mexican Potato Bake

This one-pot wonder brings all the flavours of Mexico into one bite. Perfect for breakfast, lunch or dinner, this kid-friendly vegan meal is packed with veggies and meaty kidney beans.

Mexican Vegan Burger

These Mexican-inspired vegan burgers featuring PEI potatoes and Canadian black beans will surprise and delight at your next backyard BBQ fiesta! Served with a tangy cilantro-lime mayo, you won’t even miss the meat in these burgers!

Vegan Cheesy Baked Potato & BBQ Beans

No summer backyard BBQ is complete without a cheesy baked potato, and these ones are a crowd-pleaser! Topped with creamy vegan cheese and tangy BBQ black beans, these will be gobbled up in seconds!

Sea farmers

Aquaculture is a significant and essential economic driver that supports the livelihoods of many rural, coastal, and Indigenous communities in Nova Scotia. The species that are farmed in Nova Scotia include: finfish (salmon, trout and striped bass), shellfish (oysters, mussels, clams, quahogs and scallops), and sea plants (Irish moss, sugar kelp). The industry directly supports close to 900 jobs and contributes more than $100 million dollars to the provincial economy.

Today the AANS represents more than 160 members who make up more than 95% of all aquaculture operations in Nova Scotia. Our Mission is to support the production of quality farmed seafood in the cool, clear waters of Nova Scotia, creating wealth based on a renewable resource.

Farmed seafood can help meet the growing global seafood demand, taking the pressure off wild stocks.

How did you get your start in oyster farming?

My wife and I met in 2015 with the hope of staying home in Port Hood, Cape Breton and starting our life together here. We now have two children, Sadie, 5 and Hughie, 2 and are still building our life in Cape Breton. We come from a tight knit little fishing community, and it was always my dream to be on the water. I started having interest in aquaculture about 4 years ago, specifically oyster farming.

Why did you choose to farm oysters?

The pond in which I plan to farm the oysters are very plentiful of native oysters and produce and very salty delicious oysters. Oysters are beneficial for the surrounding waters and supply some very important nutrients for its consumers! All good reasons to pursue this dream if you ask me!

What do you enjoy most about being an oyster farmer?

Being on the water and enjoying that time with family. It will be a 1st generation business which will hopefully continue on for years and years to come.

Beans + Seafood =

A Perfect Match

Try These Beans + Seafood Recipes

Linguini with Clams

Enjoying a night with friends, or simply, a night without the kids? Cook up something fancy, yet quick, like this restaurant-style linguine with clams! This easy Italian dinner features a garlicky sauce made with fresh Littleneck clams, butter, white pea beans, and parsley. Serve with a side of warm, crusty bread and a glass of Chardonnay for a peaceful adults-only meal!

Thai Green Fish Curry

This quick and easy Thai curry is perfect for a mid-week meal. Fiber-rich beans and lean Halibut make this dish healthy while the authentic flavours satisfy your take-out cravings.

Lemon & Dill Salmon with White Bean Mash

Fresh Atlantic salmon is smothered in a lemon-dill butter, grilled, and served with lightly mashed beans and artichokes.

Why do you choose Canadian beans?

To me, choosing Canadian beans is the most delicious way to eat locally and sustainably. Me supporting a sustainable crop for our farmers is just one way I help fight climate change with my fork.

What is your favourite thing about beans?

They are incredibly versatile! Closely followed by their long shelf life, both canned or dried. When my pantry is well stocked with Canadian beans, I can rest assured that a wholesome family meal is always within arms reach.

Do you have any other favourite bean recipes?

Around the Simple Bites table, we love scooping beans into tacos or breakfast burritos like this Spiced Taco Beef with Beans. I add beans to salads all year long, like this Antipasto Pasta Salad with cannellini beans.

Get Cooking with Beans!

Try Aimée’s Recipe

Garden Green Minestrone

This vibrant brothy soup is perfect for warm summer nights or cool fall evenings. Canned cannellini beans help this recipe come together quickly, adding a source of protein to this plant-based soup. For even more green power, add a big handful of baby spinach to the bowls just before serving.

About Atlantic Canada

Farming in Atlantic Canada

PEI Potatoes