While strawberry season is winding down for some farms, in Aylmer, Ontario it’s just starting to pick up. “We’ve been picking since June 1 and we started picking berries that we put row covers on,” said Kevin Howe of Howe Family Farms. “We’ve been picking (out of those fields) as well as varieties that produce earlier for the last 2 weeks now. It’s unbelievable the difference that a row cover makes. From the fields we didn’t cover we had our first pick last week (June 17) it was 2 weeks later at least. The next two weeks are going to be peak season for us.” Howe added that the mild fall set quite a bit more fruit than usual.It’s more costly to produce early berries when using row cover and black plastic mulch but Howe says prices started high and have held steady, likely from the difference between the $USD/$CAD. “It’s getting into everyone’s peak season so prices are going to be a bit more affordable.” Howe noted that it’s also a good time for consumers to purchase berries to freeze for later use.
The region has seen steady growth in consumption. “A lot of our customers this year were thrilled that we had strawberries as early as they were. That helps keep our emphasis on coming up with new techniques and to strive harder.” Thanks to the local food movement, there’s more market demand. “Farms aren’t like the big businesses that can pack up and move south of the border. Living in a small town and being around lots of businesses that have closed (Heinz in Leamington, Kellogg’s in London),” said Howe. “Out of our retail market we see greater demand and greater growth in the whole local food movement. We’re relieved about that because it’s not easy farming and it’s nice to see some optimism.”
New varieties
While the farm has been growing jewel strawberries for many seasons, new varieties are on the horizon. Howe is anxious about the new varieties from the University of California. “Hopefully if you’re a grower you’re able to get your hands on some of these varieties. We had 12 different varieties put in this past year that we’re fruiting now,” said Howe. “Hopefully there’s something good – something that can help extend the season or expand markets, whether that’s flavour or shelf life.”
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Kevin Howe
Howe Family Farms
48556 John Wise Line R.R.#5 Aylmer Ontario