There are some interesting facts in the statistical review compiled by the province that came across my desk recently.
For one thing, it puts some hard data to the trend of more non-farmers in rural areas. Although some of the data is based on the 2006 census, there is little reason to believe much had changed in the last three years. The majority of the province’s population still lives in rural areas (defined by Statistics Canada as communities of less than 1,000 people) although the gap is narrowing.
In the last census, there were 76, 906 Islanders living in what might be called “the country” while 61,721 lived in areas with a population of 1,000 or greater. Of that rural total, only 5,295 were farmers. The province now has a bigger Francophone population than it does farmers, although farmers who speak French would be included in both groups. The province’s francophone population is 5,665.
Farmers now encompass three percent of the Island’s population. Back in 1931, farmers comprised 63 per cent of Islanders. By 1951, that was down to 47.6 per cent and by 1966, the figure was 28.6 per cent. Just a decade later, it was down to 13.4 per cent and by 1986 it was into single digits at 8.5 per cent of the provincial total.
Despite their decreasing number, farms still account for a sizeable percentage of total Island land—2,509 square kilometers out of the total Island landmass of 5,684 square kilometers is used in agricultural production.
The statistical review pegs the average income of farmers (that includes farm workers) at $32,073. By contrast, fishermen had an average income of $80, 835. The total net income of farm operators last year was $-44,640.
It is also time to pass on some belated congratulations. The first is to Robert Harding on a number of fronts. He was recognized for his environmental efforts recently on two different occasions—first with the Greenleaf award presented by Ducks Unlimited and then with a P.E.I. Environmental Award. Both are well deserved. The former general manager of the P.E.I. Hog Board and the P.E.I. Potato Board also got some good news on the job front. He was recently named the executive director of the Canadian Swine Health Board. I have no doubt he will be a tireless worker for the industry in that capacity.
Congratulations as well to Elmer MacDonald on being named to the Order of P.E.I. Again this honour is well deserved as Elmer has been a tireless worker both for the industry and within his community . As well, a tip of the hat to John J MacDonald who was recently named an honourary member of the Canadian 4-H Council for his tireless work with that organization and to Gordon MacRae of Heatherdale who was named the commercial breeder of the year by the Maritime Shorthorn Association. These producers are a prime example of what this industry is doing right—something that doesn’t get the attention it deserves.