Andrea’s story is best told through the myriad of people and places that gave her a burst of hope over the years.  Andrea graduated with a degree in International Development and though she reveled in the learning process, she longed for a more hands-on approach.  That’s how she wound up at the Everdale Environmental Learning Centre in Ontario in 2001.  Andrea had worked as a landscape gardener all through high school and university in her hometown in Ontario, that’s why she wanted to marry her love of the outdoors with something a bit more globally minded (“beyond petty street corners”). 

At Everdale she was put in charge of establishing their first seed garden (in addition to her regular full-time duties on the farm).  Always one to enjoy a challenge, Andrea soon discovered the joys of letting plants “go to seed”.  To this day she recounts her first seed-saving adventure with excitement – where she gathered thousands upon thousands of kale seed from a single plant.

Andrea’s interest in farming flourished when she accepted a position at Falls Brook Centre in Knowlesville, New Brunswick, as the Agricultural Coordinator.  Here, she helped established a farm apprenticeship program, cultivated a heritage and heirloom seed garden and met and worked with another “seedy” mentor, Kim Edwards, the woman who started the Hope Seeds Company in her backyard garden. 

When Kim’s small home business outgrew her backyard, she was ready to pass it on to someone who wanted to continue the seed market.  For three years, Andrea ran the “part-time” Seed Company while also working full-time at Falls Brook Centre.  Finally, in 2006, Andrea made the decision to purchase another seed company, adding a full workload to her booming side business.  She quit her job with Falls brook Centre and moved her operation to a much more suitably sized location (she went from several acres to several hundred acres!).

Eventually, she moved again from New Brunswick to Nova Scotia and her new farm is now located in the beautiful rolling hills of the Evangeline Trail in Belleisle, a part of the Annapolis Valley in Nova Scotia. 

As an heirloom organic seed producer, Andrea must have the greatest variety of heirloom organic vegetables to offer than anyone else in the Maritimes.  Her current specialties–all unique varieties–are Jerusalem artichokes, a fantastic tuber of a very pretty sunflower-like plant.  Andrea also has a large and eclectic selection of winter squash to add to your menu and meal plans. But, above all else is Andrea’s collection and extensive knowledge of heritage beans.  With over 15 varieties of heirloom beans to choose from, Andrea prides herself on knowing what bean is best used for what type of dish and at what stage in its growth (snap bean, dry bean, baby snap bean and dried beans)­. 

Andrea sees her style of growing (heirloom, certified organic, small-scale) as methods of agriculture that are sure to sustain our future just as they have supported our ancestors.  “It is this same type of agricultural system that has sustained humans for thousands of years before our time and it is what will feed people for seven generations for come,” says Andrea, when asked why she is committed to organic agriculture. 

One of Andrea’s mottos in the garden is “There’s always next year” and new garden treats are inevitable as she continues to learn, experiment and develop her company.  Look for new and funky varieties as she continues to expand her seed repertoire  every year!

Andrea Berry

PO Box 130 365 Knowlesville Rd.

Glassville, NB E7L 4T4

506-375-6934

hopeseed@nbnet.nb.ca