Cavendish Farms Announces Discovery Farm – A New Research Initiative Focused on Regenerative Agriculture Practices

New London, Prince Edward Island –Today Cavendish Farms publicly launcheda demonstrationfarm dedicated to researching the benefits of regenerativeagriculture.  

Discovery Farm, located in New London, Prince Edward Island, is a commercial-scale farm that will focus on building soil health and biodiversity to improve yields and qualityfor PEI potato growers.  

Guided by Cavendish Farms’ values of teamwork, continuous improvement and innovation, Discovery Farm will bring together partners to help with research and field trials.Partners involved with the project include Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, the PEI Department of Agriculture, the PEI Potato Board, and the University of Prince Edward Island. 

A farmer advisory group has beenestablished to ensure Cavendish Farms and growers are working together. The goal is to share results and identify new farming practices and technologies for economic and environmental benefits.  

Field trials are already underway for the 2025 growing season and include cover crops, optimized water usethrough new irrigation technology, nutrient management, precision application of inputs,and pollinator habitats. Cavendish Farms’ customers and growers will have the opportunity to visit the farm and see firsthand the company’s commitment to sustainability. 

Discovery Farm is a continuationof Cavendish Farms’ sustainable agriculture framework which includes a potato breeding programfocused on developing new potato varieties to withstand climate challenges as well as reducing the carbon footprint.  

“Discovery Farm is an opportunity to work with growers and the PEI potato industry to find new and innovative ways to build healthy soil and support sustainable agriculture. We value the relationship we have with Island growers, and we understand the key to our success is rooted in providing quality products and service, while also protecting the environment, our employees, and communities.” 

“Research, innovation, and teamwork are all critical to the continued growth and sustainability of our potato sector. Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada researchers supporting this initiative share a common goal with Cavendish Farms and our potato growers – boosting soil health and biodiversity while also improving yields and strengthening our province’s reputation as a premier producer of potatoes.”  

“As we continue to build on research and technology in our local agriculture industry through the AIM initiative, I want to commend everyone involved in this project for helping drive our commitment to innovation in key areas like soil health and sustainability. I look forward to seeing the positive effects that this partnership has on our industry, environment and province for years to come.” 

“We are excited about this initiative and are pleased to work collaboratively with Cavendish Farms to demonstrate best management practices that not only are associated with improved yield and quality but are also more sustainable for the environment. The PEI Potato Board is pleased to be leading a long-term trial on cumulative effects of fall cover cropping at the Discovery Farm through the ACS-Living Labs program.”  

“As a producer for Cavendish Farms, we are excited toparticipate in their Discovery Farm initiativewhere we can work together to implement new sustainable farming practices on a commercial scale. Collaborating with industry partners and sharing wins with farmers will help us advance our environmental stewardship to meet the expectations of our customers and our neighbours.” 

About Cavendish Farms 

Cavendish Farms produces superior quality frozen potato and appetizer products for the North American and international food industry, supplying customers in the retail and restaurant sectors. They operate four potato processing plants – two on Prince Edward Island, one in Lethbridge, and one in Jamestown, North Dakota. They also operate a fifth plant specializing in appetizer products in Wheatley, Ontario. Cavendish Farms is part of the J.D. Irving Group of Companies. 

Photo: 

From left to right: Kyle Maynard, Co-Owner, Farmboys Inc., Donald Stavert, Chair, PEI Potato Board, The Hon. Bloyce Thompson, Deputy Premier and Minister of Agriculture, Province of Prince Edward Island, Robert K. Irving, President, Cavendish Farms, and Jubs Bristow, Vice President, Agriculture, Cavendish Farms.