« Producer Spotlight

Highlighting fruit and vegetable producers from across Canada in 2021

Mark's Market – The Orams

Wooddale, Newfoundland and Labrador

We have a farm market in Wooddale, near Grand Falls-Windsor, Newfoundland and Labrador. We tell everyone we grow from A to Z (Apples to Zucchini) and everything in between. Our main crops are potatoes, carrots, rutabaga, cabbage, and strawberries. We also try and grow anything that our customers ask us to.

Why do you grow this produce?

We try to keep a wide variety to keep our customers coming to our market.

What makes your location (or greenhouse) ideal for these crops?

I wouldn't say our climate is ideal for some of the crops we grow, but the technology like irrigation, crop covers, and black mulch helps us reduce the risk on the non-traditional crops.

Where do you market your produce?

On farm market

How long have you and your family produced fruits and vegetables?

Farm bought in 1988 sold wholesale and 2002 started on farm market.

How many acres/hectares/square feet (in the case of greenhouses) do you crop?

35 cropping acres, 10 acres green manure, and clearing new land yearly.

What sustainability and technology practices do you use in your operation to grow your crops to their fullest potential?

  • Floating row covers
  • Black plastic mulch and mini tunnels
  • Irrigation for frost protection and for watering the crops

What advice would you give someone who wants to start growing their own fruits and vegetables at home?

Start small, don't be afaid to ask questions and not every crop is a success, but a learning experience.

Tell the world why you farm. Do you have any words you'd like to share with studentsabout agriculture.

It's a passion. While agriculture has many challenges, it comes with great rewards.

Do you have a favourite recipe using the produce you grow?

Jiggs Dinner is a Newfoundland staple and its always better with Mark's Market veggies.