PEI Females of Food
Published February 26, 2024 | Verna Lynne Weeks, Tourism PEI
Prince Edward Island may be small in size, but our global reputation is big because of the quality-rich delicacies harvested from the land and sea. Here, a growing number of women have chosen careers and lifestyles as farmers, fishers and food business leaders. Indeed, Prince Edward Island is home to some feisty females who have forged a path with resilience and flair in the local food community and beyond.
In honor of International Women’s Day on March 8, we salute five Island women, and the many others, who have overcome traditional stereotypes to pave a path to success.
Potato Farmer & Farm Advocate
Keisha Rose Topic is a sixth-generation potato farmer who works alongside her dad Boyd at East Point Potatoes and uncle Myles at R.A. Rose & Sons. Although she grew up riding on tractors and trampling through potato fields in the Souris area, she did not plan on farming. However, after being away from home she realized how special her connection was to the farm. Today, she also serves as president of the PEI Federation of Agriculture.
Value-Added Food Producer
Chef Sarah Bennetto O’Brien is owner of The Handpie Company in Albany with “a mission to make handheld comfort food to fuel epic PEI adventures." Apart from producing a wide selection of savory and sweet pies filled with local goodness, she is passionate about “being a vocal, conscientious person who sees herself as a cog in PEI’s food wheel.”
Lobster Fisher
Bethany McCarthy has been fishing out of Graham’s Pond since 1997. She is captain of her own boat, Ms. High Maintenance, and the lone female of the PEI Lobster Marketing Board as well as president of her local harbour authority. She loves getting out on the water every morning to see the sunrise and the freedom of being her own boss.
Dairy Farmer
Suzanne Brouwer always planned to start her own dairy farm. Just last year at 23 years-old, she achieved her dream of milking her own herd of cows. The fresh milk from her farm, Eastview Dairy, is shipped to Amalgamated Dairies Ltd to produce premium dairy products including milk, cheese, cream and butter.
Organic Farmer
Soleil Hutchinson is an organic vegetable farmer and pioneer of the community-shared approach to agriculture in PEI. She also collaborates with local producers to streamline supply and distribution to restaurants. In 2021, she was the recipient of the annual PEI Woman in Agriculture Award. Visitors to PEI can find Soleil’s Farm veggies at corner and country stores.
To all the wonder women of Canada’s Food Island working in fishing, farming and the many other food production roles in our garden province, we salute you!
A sample of other female-led food and farm operations:
- Samuel’s Coffee House – Moyna Matheson
- Carr’s Oyster Bar – Phyllis Carr
- Jane & Sue Chocolate - Jane Woodley & Sue Humby
- The Mill – Chef Emily Wells
- Island Hill Farm - Flory Sanderson
- Farmacy + Fermentary and Heartbeet Organics - Amy Smith & Verena Varga
- Mussel King (Morell) - Esther Dockendorff