Peter Townshend took over a mixed farm from his father Clifford in 1974. Over time, the farm became specialized as a potato operation. In the 1980's Peter realized that for him to become successful and to continue making a living growing potatoes he was going to have to make sure took care of the soil. It was then that he started implementing many of the soil conservation practices that he continues to employ today.

Townshend plants many of his crops in strips across the slope of the land that slows runoff and significantly reduces soil erosion. Winter cover is provided where possible by the use of fall-seeded cereals and the minimized use of fall ploughing. The farm has also installed a number of soil conservation structures such as diversion terraces that are designed to divert run-off water to a safe outlet.

Peter Townshend has also developed a nutrient management plan for the farm that effectively manages the nutrients it puts on the land. Cull potatoes are composted and mixed with manure as a natural nutrient source for the crops.

Townshend Potato Farm was nominated by the Souris and Area Branch of the PEI Wildlife Federation in recognition for his work in providing wildlife habitat on the farm. The riparian zones that cross the farm have been planted with native trees and shrubs. This helps protect water quality and provides habitat for fish and other wildlife.

Over the past number of years Townshend has worked to diversify his farm by growing and selling oilseed radish seed and by moving into blueberry production.

Peter Townshend has shown a strong commitment to community involvement in agriculture by sitting on the board of the Eastern Canadian Soil and Water Conservation Centre. As well Townshend has sat on the Ministers Environmental Advisory Committee.

John Jamieson, Communications Officer for the Environmental Farm Plan program, said the goal of the GRC Award is to celebrate the contributions Island farmers are making toward the environment and to encourage other farmers to adopt similar practices. "Townshend Potato Company is an excellent example of a farm that takes sustainable farming seriously and is also an operation that other farmers can look to and emulate."

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Souris Branch of the P.E.I. Wildlife Federation

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