Three J’s Wild Blueberry Farm
Three J’s Wild Blueberry Farm is located in the village of Tiverton on Long Island, in Digby County, Nova Scotia, and is owned and operated by Donald and Sherilyn Sollows.
During the year 2000, Donald and Sherilyn noticed that wild blueberries had appeared in their woodlot. They thought it would be good to encourage this natural development, so they proceeded to research and study wild blueberries. The farm is approximately 20 cleared acres, however only portions of it currently have the wild blueberries.
Donald and Sherilyn hand harvest the wild blueberries that grow naturally on their land, and sell them fresh to local residents and stores. Last year, they tried the farmers market, but living on an island with a ferry schedule proved too much of a hurdle for attending market regularly.
They say that their farm has given them the pleasure of working outdoors, and an appreciation of the fruits of their labour.
Three J’s Wild Blueberry Farm first certified in 2004 with the Nova Scotia Organic Growers Association (NSOGA). Donald and Sherilyn had been interested in organics for years, purchasing organic produce whenever possible and maintaining an organic vegetable garden for their own use, so they found it natural to take the organic approach for their farm.
Sherilyn says that being certified lets the buyers know that they are growing the best possible product they can without the use of chemicals. “We want to be as kind to the environment as possible and let our children and grandchildren know that we have done our best to take care of our land,” explains Sherilyn about farming organically. She also says that they feel good about not using chemicals and contaminating their land
“Farming is a new experience that we find challenging and exciting. We are enjoying this learning experience and intend to continue to study and keep informed on organic farming,” says Sherilyn. But some things you just can’t control. “When it comes to the weather, you just have to depend on luck,” Sherilyn says about the unpredictability of the weather - one of the biggest challenges for the farm. Another challenge is weed control, for which Sherilyn and Donald work year-round pulling the weeds by hand.
Three J’s Wild Blueberry Farm is now planning to rake berries for sale to get more markets, and are also hoping to encourage more wild blueberries. “It is our passion and desire to farm according to organic standards and accept what size crop nature gives us. It is a work in progress and one that we are enjoying.”
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