Instead of being swallowed up in the commodity world, P.E.I. hog producers are hoping a bold new venture to market natural meat to niche markets worldwide is the wave of their future.

And that future now lies in the hands of four Island hog producers and a Quebec company that have joined forces to take over Garden Province Meats and take a new direction.

“Our advantage is that we’re an island and P.E.I. carries a branding that is recognized for quality,’’ said Willem De Boer, chairman of the P.E.I. Hog Board, from his farm in Brudenell.

“The new owners believe they can tap into niche markets and we hope they’re right.’’

The new owners are Natural and Organic Food Group Inc. (NOFG) of Quebec City and P.E.I. Pork Plus, consisting of veteran farmers Scott Dingwell, Donald MacDonald, Barry Cudmore and Abraham Hamming.

Source: The Guardian