John Jamieson, program officer with the PEI Enhanced Environmental Farm Plan program said the selection committee was particularly impressed with the caliber of the nominations. He said it is encouraging to see so many farms demonstrating strong environmental practices.

Jamieson said that the farms nominated practice a range of sustainable practices that help protect water quality, minimize soil erosion and improve biodiversity. "We saw that the farmers nominated for the award were practicing nutrient management which balances the needs of the crop with the amount of fertilizer and manure they are applying. They also integrate a range of soil conservation structures on their land and they also promote biodiversity by doing things like planting trees, leaving extended buffer zones along watercourses and by establishing wetlands on their farms."

The MacIsaacs of Bear River have been farming for over 130 years and brothers Kevin and Blair, along with their father Joe, continue the tradition by producing 600 acres of potatoes with grain and hay. In recent years, the farm has diversified into canola and soybeans.

Kevin and Blair MacIsaac have a long history of protecting soil. On their farm they realize that for them to be successful in farming they must make every effort to take care of the soil. In 2007, they were honored by receiving the Soil Conservationist of the Year from the PEI Soil and Crop Improvement Association. They implement soil conservation practices such as terracing, strip cropping and grassed waterways on both their own land and on land they rent. They also use a GPS guidance system that reduces the amount of fertilizers and pesticides used on the farm.

The MacIsaacs also are strong proponents of nutrient management and has participated in a number of on-farm nutrient management research trials. Kevin MacIsaac has also delivered a number of presentations on the benefits of managing nutrient inputs to his fellow farmers.

Blair, Kevin and Joe are particularly proud of their corporation with Ducks Unlimited. In 2004, they partnered to construct a pond on the farm property. Today, this pond provides a home for a number of duck species like black ducks and green winged teal that use the site for nesting purposes. The wetland also provides a home to many species of amphibians, mammals and plants. In 2008, the farm received the Lieutenant Governor's Greenwing Conservation Award.

Lily Pond Farms has also been an active partner with the Souris and Area Branch of the PEI Wildlife Federation in an Ecological Goods and Services project in the Souris River Watershed.

The MacIsaacs are also quick to lend their experience to farm organizations. Blair is a county representative for the PEI Federation of Agriculture while Kevin has been chair of the PEI Potato Board and the PEI Soil and Crop Improvement Association.

Kevin MacIsaac said his family is honored to receive the award. "We are extremely pleased and somewhat humbled to receive this award. We are farmers who take sustainable farming seriously because we feel it is the right thing to do.'

Lily Pond Farms have been nominated by the Souris Branch of the PEI Wildlife Federation. "The Wildlife Federation is a very positive force in our community and we are very pleased to be able to work with them and to have a non-farm environmental organization nominate us for this award," said Kevin MacIsaac.

John Jamieson 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. "Lily Pond Farms is an excellent of how environmental health, social responsibility and economics can be integrated into the operation of a modern farm."

For more information contact:

John Jamieson
EFP Program Officer
Office: 902-368-7289
Cell: 902-393-6684