🥔 New Brunswick Produce: Fresh, Local, and Full of Flavor

Nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and vast green forests, New Brunswick, Canada, is a province known for its fertile valleys, clean water, and sustainable farming practices. From rich farmland in the Upper St. John Valley to the rolling pastures near Moncton and Fredericton, New Brunswick produces some of the freshest and most flavorful food in the country.

Agriculture in New Brunswick is more than an industry — it’s a way of life. Generations of farmers have cultivated the province’s land, producing high-quality crops, dairy, fruits, and vegetables that nourish communities locally and beyond.

The Pride of the Province: Potatoes

When it comes to New Brunswick produce, one crop stands above the rest — the potato.
The Upper St. John River Valley, near Florenceville-Bristol (known as The French Fry Capital of the World), is one of Canada’s most productive potato-growing regions.

Here, the combination of fertile soil, cool climate, and careful cultivation produces premium potatoes for both domestic use and export. These potatoes are used for table consumption, seed production, and processing into chips and fries by world-famous companies like McCain Foods, founded right in New Brunswick.

Dairy and Livestock Products

Beyond crops, New Brunswick’s agricultural landscape is defined by its dairy and livestock production. The province’s river valleys and lush pastures provide ideal conditions for dairy farming, especially near Moncton, Sussex, and the Saint John River Basin.

Local farms produce fresh milk, butter, cheese, yogurt, and eggs, supplying both provincial markets and Atlantic Canada as a whole. New Brunswick’s dairy products are known for their purity and freshness — a reflection of the province’s clean environment and sustainable farming methods.

Blueberries, Apples, and Strawberries: Sweet Taste of the Maritimes

New Brunswick’s cool climate and fertile soil make it perfect for fruit production.

• Wild Blueberries: A signature product of Atlantic Canada, these tiny, flavorful berries grow abundantly in the northern and eastern parts of the province. They are harvested each summer and exported globally.
• Apples: Around Fredericton and Saint John, apple orchards flourish, offering crisp, juicy varieties like McIntosh, Cortland, and Honeycrisp.
• Strawberries: Grown in the warmer months, New Brunswick strawberries are celebrated for their sweetness and deep red color, sold fresh at local markets or turned into jams and preserves.

Together, these fruits not only support local agriculture but also attract agritourism, drawing visitors to orchards and farms each fall.

Grains, Vegetables, and Local Specialties

While potatoes and dairy dominate, New Brunswick also produces a diverse range of grains and vegetables, including oats, barley, hay, carrots, cabbage, and turnips.
Farmers’ markets across the province — such as the Fredericton Boyce Farmers Market, Dieppe Market, and Kingston Farmers Market — showcase seasonal produce and local specialties, connecting residents and visitors directly with farmers.

The province’s organic farming movement continues to grow, offering eco-friendly alternatives and sustainable practices that ensure food security and environmental health.

Export and Economic Importance

Much of New Brunswick’s produce is consumed locally, supporting vibrant community markets and restaurants, but several key products — notably potatoes, blueberries, and dairy — are exported to other Canadian provinces and to the United States.

Agriculture contributes significantly to New Brunswick’s rural economy, sustaining small communities and family-owned farms. It also attracts newcomers through immigration initiatives such as the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP), which supports the province’s growing need for skilled workers in agriculture and food production.

Sustainable Agriculture and Future Growth

New Brunswick’s farmers are embracing innovation and sustainability to meet modern challenges. From precision farming technologies and crop rotation to organic certification and climate-smart practices, the province is positioning itself as a leader in environmentally responsible agriculture.

Educational institutions such as the University of New Brunswick (UNB) and New Brunswick Community College (NBCC) are partnering with local farms and businesses to research new methods of production, ensuring that agriculture continues to thrive for future generations.

A Taste of New Brunswick

Whether you’re enjoying a bag of freshly fried chips made from local potatoes, a slice of apple pie from Fredericton’s markets, or a bowl of wild blueberry yogurt, you’re tasting the heart of New Brunswick.

The province’s produce is a celebration of its people, land, and traditions — a testament to the harmony between nature and community that defines life in Atlantic Canada.