Eddy Dykerman
Eddy Dykerman’s considerable contributions to horticulture as a producer and volunteer have been varied and far-reaching. His passion for helping his fellow producers has created a culture of success not only in PEI but in international communities.
Born in 1957, Eddy grew up in an agricultural family. At the age of 22, he joined his father Bert and brother Gerald in establishing Brookfield Gardens, a mixed vegetable farm. What began as a 40-acre production has grown to nearly 300 acres today. While Bert, himself an Atlantic Agricultural Hall of Fame inductee, has retired, Eddy, his brother, and their nephew Travis continue to farm the land. They produce mostly carrots, destined for local markets and supermarkets across Atlantic Canada and overseas. In 2008 Eddy, together with Gerald and son Matthew, established Red Soil Organics, which produces 80 acres of organic produce for similar Canadian and international markets.
Eddy has been a leader in environmentally responsible farming in his own operations and through his involvement in agricultural organizations. Brookfield Farms has been a long-standing participant in the Environmental Farm Plan Program, implementing integrated pest management and nutrient management programs, constructing berms and grassed waterways, and building collection and irrigation ponds to control water runoff. Brookfield Farms received the 2012 Gilbert R Clements Award for Excellence in Environmental Farm Planning.
Numerous organizations have benefitted from Eddy’s leadership and devotion to horticulture and environmental stewardship. He joined the PEI Federation of Agriculture in 1979, and after 37 years continues to serve as a Board Member. Eddy has been instrumental in implementing programs that have improved agriculture across the province, including the Advance Payment Program and the Enhanced Environmental Farm Plan. Eddy’s vision and ability to work through challenges made him an excellent Federation representative on the Canadian Federation of Agriculture Board.
In 1985, Eddy began 31 years of service as a member of the PEI Horticultural Association Inc., serving numerous times as President. He has lobbied the provincial and federal governments, was instrumental in the development of the CanadaGap program, an on-farm food safety program, and led the School Healthy Snacks Initiative.
Eddy’s passion for improving agriculture extends across the globe to Kenya. As a strong supporter of Farmers Helping Farmers he has consulted, promoted, and witnessed first hand the benefits of sharing experience and knowledge to improve the lives of farmers. Instrumental to his success as an active member of all these organizations is Eddy’s respect for his fellow producers and devotion to improving the industry for all. He is regarded for the humour, logic, passion, and caring he brings to every role, working tirelessly to strengthen his community and agriculture in PEI and abroad.
In addition to his agricultural interests, Eddy has volunteered in his community through soccer clubs, his church, and as a key member of the Wheatley River Improvement Group. He enjoys time with his wife Janet, their children Craig, Matthew, Katie, and Jennifer, and grandson Oscar.
Nominated by the PEI Federation of Agriculture for his exceptional service to his fellow producers and his commitment to environmental stewardship, Eddy Dykerman is a worthy inductee into the Atlantic Agricultural Hall of Fame.