By Babalpreet Kaur
The Guardian
LORNE VALLEY - An Island family farm has added meat packing to its offerings in eastern P.E.I.
Eastern Valley Meats opened its door as a new brand on March 3 in Lorne Valley.
Owner Jeff Shaw was born and raised on the farm and has years of experience raising livestock and how to operate a successful butcher shop.
“I wanted to utilize my own animals,” said Shaw, in an interview with The Guardian.
Shaw bought the family farm in 2013 and since then his family has been working hard raising their own livestock and preparing for the shop to open.
“For future growth, we wanted to offer a new look to our customers and get in line with Prince Edward Island food trends,” he said.
Future expansion is definitely in the plans. “The door is wide open, for that (expansion) to go as far as it can.”
For now, the local butcher offers meat boxes, specialty handling meats (Halal) and custom butchery for other local and small family farms. The business provides locally raised beef, pork and lamb.
“Eastern Valley Meats is committed to the promotion of family run farms, locally raised livestock and top-quality Prince Edward Island meats,” Shaw said.
Shaw said he is looking forward to being able to serve Island customers and local residents.
“I’m starting new branding and am a new face to the industry here.”