 Asset Publisher Examining Island Icons and Industries2004-10-14Despite its size, Canada's smallest province is well known for its larger than life personalities and distinctive landscape. Anne of Green Gables – the feisty red head from Avonlea - will always be PEI's most beloved fictional character. Running a close second is Bud the Spud, thanks to Maritime folk legend 'Stompin' Tom Connors and his ode to the Island: “Well, it's Bud the Spud, from the bright red mud, PEI's unofficial anthem not only highlights its reputation as an important potato producer, but also singles out another of the province's most distinctive characteristics – its rich red soil. A chemical reaction between oxygen and the high concentrations of iron-ore in the Island's soil are what give PEI dirt its rusty red colour. Iron-ore is just one of many minerals found in the Island's fertile soil. Part of the province's agricultural identity is the mineral and nutrient rich soil which is literally its foundation. Although often overshadowed by the potato industry, PEI's livestock sector contributes significantly to the Island's economy. One of the keys to successful livestock farming is ensuring that the animal feed used in dairy, cattle, pork and sheep farming contains the right combination of minerals and other essential nutrients for optimal health and growth. Because locally grown feed can vary, farmers need to determine its nutritional value in order to make sound feeding decisions. To assure the optimal combination of minerals, fat, protein, ash and moisture, farmers rely on testing by an accredited laboratory says Brian Douglas, director of the Agriculture Resource Division who jointly manages the Prince Edward Island Analytical Laboratory with the Department of Environment and Energy[ii]. “From a feed perspective, informed decisions can produce economic benefits. Accurate results help farmers make the right decisions for their animal feeding programs.” says Douglas. The laboratory's scope of accreditation from the Standards Council of Canada includes feed testing as well as tests for microbiology and chemical analysis of water. “In today's world, you have to be able to prove that your results have credibility. One way to do that is through accreditation,” adds Douglas. Accreditation means the laboratory must meet and exceed recognized quality control standards it provides parameters within which to operate and the assurance of a quality product. Each staff person must understand their role in the system and the important part they play in producing results. “What accreditation does is make you examine how your lab operates from start to finish. It makes you document what you do. By having documentation, you know what is required to meet the required quality standards,” says Douglas. “It allows you to better plan for the future. You're aware of what you have, what you're doing and your limits.” From the documentation of standard methods and procedures to long-term planning, accreditation has allowed Prince Edward Island Analytical Laboratories to provide higher quality services – creating a win-win situation for the clients and lab staff and ensures farmers make the appropriate feeding decisions. --- [i] Written authorization to use lyrics from “Bud the Spud” were granted by A-C-T Records and Crown-Vetch Music through www.StompinTom.com [ii] The PEI Analytical Lab is jointly run by the Department of Environment and Energy and the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries, Aquaculture and Forestry. -30- This article first appeared in Volume 31 of CONSENSUS Magazine, 2004. The information it contains was accurate at the time of publication but has not been updated or revised since, and may not reflect the latest updates on the topic. If you have specific questions or concerns about the content, please contact the Standards Council of Canada. |
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