Harmony Meadow Farm shears sheep for sheer profit
News Release
Island based company to offer high quality wool processing and custom spinning services
April 26, 2017 – Belfast, PE – Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
For entrepreneurs, innovation involves calculated risk and creative thinking. The Government of Canada understands this and is putting in place the right conditions for businesses in rural regions of Atlantic Canada to grow and reach new export opportunities.
In 2013, sisters Kim Doherty-Smith and Jennifer Taran traded in their corporate careers for a more rural endeavor, establishing Harmony Meadow Farm in Belfast, PEI. Having found success on their mixed farm, with a focus on humanely raised lamb and wool products, the next step for the business owners will be to provide premium wool processing and spinning services for their own sheep and other Island-based farmers.
The Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food and Member of Parliament for Cardigan, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), joined by the Honourable Alan McIsaac, PEI Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries, today announced federal and provincial support for the construction of Harmony Meadow Farm’s mini-mill. ACOA’s Business Development Program is providing a repayable contribution of $181,000, and the Government of Prince Edward Island is providing a $30,000 grant from the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries along with a $10,000 grant from Innovation PEI towards this project.
The proposed mini-mill, a cottage sized wool processing facility, will offer smaller run batches of wool, allowing farmers to receive different yarn weights and colours, diversifying the wool products produced on their farms. Under the new brand Fleece & Harmony, the company will reach small-town markets by selling their products in local craft shops while an e-commerce website will cater to export markets.
Quotes
“Agriculture is one of the foundations of our Island economy, and our farmers are rightly recognized for the quality of their goods. It is exciting to see businesses embracing our traditional industries and local product, while adapting to new market demands and export opportunities. I applaud Harmony Meadow Farm’s commitment to the local agricultural community.”
The Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food and Member of Parliament for Cardigan
“Producing and selling uniquely Island goods is the goal of the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries’ Product and Marketing Program. Our government is proud to support Harmony Meadow Farm’s effort to turn local wool into a high-value product, which will benefit our agriculture industry and show once again how things made in Prince Edward Island are in demand around the world. ”
The Honourable Alan McIsaac, Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries
“We are very excited to be able to offer Island fibre producers more options for having their fibre processed locally. We also hope to launch a successful 100% Island raised yarn brand for export. Value added products are becoming increasingly vital to small farm operations and we are proud to have the opportunity to assist others in enhancing their consumer offerings.”
Jennifer Taran, Co-Owner, Harmony Meadow Farm
Contacts
Chris Brooks
Director of Communications
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
902-566-7569
April Gallant
Communications Officer
PEI Department of Agriculture and Fisheries
902-620-3084
Kim Doherty-Smith
Co-Owner
Harmony Meadow Farm
902-659-2686 / 902-213-1364 (cell)