Highland Companies mulls farming growth

Potatoes will continue to be a vital part of The Highland Companies operations in Dufferin, spokesman Michael Daniher says in a periodic update on the company's farming operations.

"Regardless of the discussion surrounding the forthcoming application for a quarry, the fact is that there is and will continue to be a significant farming operation as part of our business mix," he added in a phone interview.

"The farms are increasing potato production, becoming a more yearround supplier, and adding customers. Improved efficiency and productivity have been achieved on the farmland in Melancthon and Mulmur townships, the addition of the Norfolk County acreage has helped to expand the range of specialty varieties and to increase packing capacity.

"Strategic relationships with suppliers in the United States are enabling the farms to provide customers with product throughout more of the year and from 'field to fork.' And the company is expanding its business with existing customers, implementing an exclusive new product offering with a national retailer, and adding new local customers," he said.

"Thanks to these and other measures, the Company's farming operation will register significant increases in production volume and sales in 2009."

In the interview, he described the company as "large enough to meet the needs of long-established national food distributors and local enough to serve new businesses in nearby areas, like the L&M grocery cooperative recently formed by Dale Kropf."

Highland has come under criticism from township residents who have questioned its farming methods, removal of some trees and fence lines, and demolitions of farmsteads. The company faces its most severe opposition over its proposed 2,300- acre quarry and perceptions of threats to the water table,. It has been accused of just wanting to extract limestone and quit the area.

But Mr. Daniher said it has invested heavily in new equipment for the farming operations. Improvements have meant that it is able to employ about 70 persons on a year-round basis rather than seasonally, he said.

"Our growth, diversity and investment mean that we don't have all our eggs - or potatoes - in one basket, and that we can meet the changing needs of customers in a quick and responsive way."

He is not unaware that approvals for a quarry will be a long time in coming, and only then if Highland can prove that its proposed rehabilitation technique will work without distressing the water supply.