Written by David Jonah, Pleasant Vale, Local Writer & Agriculture Enthusiast Submitted by Megan Mace, Coordinator, Foods of the Fundy Valley
Images from www.facebook.com/FarmerBrownsGreenhouse/photos
When Lisa and Fred Brown first established their greenhouse operation on Osborne Corner Road in Dawson over 25 years ago, they were pursuing a shared dream to develop a small farm where they could grow the food for their family.
What began as a single greenhouse, built when their youngest child of three children started school, has evolved into a thriving agricultural enterprise with two multi-site locations, a renowned farm-to-fork operation, and a profound commitment to local food security.
But over the past decade, Lisa has noticed something undeniable: the climate is changing, and farming in Albert County demands new strategies and constant adaptation.
What began as a single greenhouse, built when their youngest child of three children started school, has evolved into a thriving agricultural enterprise with two multi-site locations, a renowned farm-to-fork operation, and a profound commitment to local food security.
But over the past decade, Lisa has noticed something undeniable: the climate is changing, and farming in Albert County demands new strategies and constant adaptation.
From Agricultural Dream to Agricultural Reality
Both Lisa and Fred brought agricultural engineering degrees from McGill University’s MacDonald Agriculture College to their shared vision. It is also where they met.
Fred grew up on a seed potato farm near Glassville, Sunbury County. NB. Lisa worked in agricultural research for the federal government in Saskatchewan and later worked in greenhouse operations. The couple eventually settled in Dawson, on the Osborne Corner Road in what felt like a natural home, with rolling hills reminiscent of Fred's childhood landscape.
"We had three kids, all under the age of four, and we were busy with everything," Lisa recalls with a laugh. "But we started with vegetable gardens, then built our first greenhouse. That was over 20 years ago, and it anchored us here."
Both Lisa and Fred brought agricultural engineering degrees from McGill University’s MacDonald Agriculture College to their shared vision. It is also where they met.
Fred grew up on a seed potato farm near Glassville, Sunbury County. NB. Lisa worked in agricultural research for the federal government in Saskatchewan and later worked in greenhouse operations. The couple eventually settled in Dawson, on the Osborne Corner Road in what felt like a natural home, with rolling hills reminiscent of Fred's childhood landscape.
"We had three kids, all under the age of four, and we were busy with everything," Lisa recalls with a laugh. "But we started with vegetable gardens, then built our first greenhouse. That was over 20 years ago, and it anchored us here."
Today, Farmer Brown's operates eight greenhouses across two locations: four retail production greenhouses at Osborne Corner Road (ranging from 30x52 feet to 30x80 feet), and four larger commercial production greenhouses ( 2 are 30x100 and the others are 20x100), at their nearby Levy Road site.
The company supplies flowering plants to municipalities, including the City of Moncton, Fundy National Park, and Magic Mountain. Simultaneously, it runs a robust direct-to-consumer farm operation that includes vegetables, Galloway breed livestock, meat turkeys, and chickens, as well as hosting seasonal events like weddings.
The Water Challenge: Rethinking Production in a Drier Climate
One of the most significant climate-related shifts Lisa has implemented involves the farm's water management, a decision driven by observable environmental change. A decade ago, Farmer Brown's ran a thriving Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program that served over 80 families with weekly vegetable boxes throughout the growing season. That program has been downsized in the number of families, and the reason is telling.
"We discovered that we couldn't continue that level of production and maintain our well water during spring and summer," Lisa explains. "We have four wells, and you only have what you have. You can't keep demanding from it."
The recharge rate of the Browns' groundwater cannot keep pace with the extraction demands of the past. Lisa made a strategic decision: prioritize the wells for the flower production that anchors their business, while reducing vegetable production from three acres to approximately one and a half acres.
One of the most significant climate-related shifts Lisa has implemented involves the farm's water management, a decision driven by observable environmental change. A decade ago, Farmer Brown's ran a thriving Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program that served over 80 families with weekly vegetable boxes throughout the growing season. That program has been downsized in the number of families, and the reason is telling.
"We discovered that we couldn't continue that level of production and maintain our well water during spring and summer," Lisa explains. "We have four wells, and you only have what you have. You can't keep demanding from it."
The recharge rate of the Browns' groundwater cannot keep pace with the extraction demands of the past. Lisa made a strategic decision: prioritize the wells for the flower production that anchors their business, while reducing vegetable production from three acres to approximately one and a half acres.
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The vegetables they grow now primarily serve their catering operations for weddings and events, along with seasonal produce boxes in the fall. This shift reflects a larger climate reality playing out across Atlantic Canada: water availability is becoming a limiting factor in agricultural planning.
"This past summer was our driest year yet," Lisa notes. "If we had been doing things the way we were even two years ago, the well would probably have failed sometime in July. But by backing off, I only had one day in 2025 where I was concerned about water levels."
The Browns have an automatic fertilizer injector with special filters that help Lisa to monitor groundwater depletion. (The filters are not for that monitoring purpose, but when they get dirty late in the season, I know that the well is low.)
This year, those filters only became clogged once, which is a warning indicator of low water levels, and a stark contrast to previous years. For Lisa, it's a tangible measure of how significantly their water usage has changed and how necessary that change has become.
"This past summer was our driest year yet," Lisa notes. "If we had been doing things the way we were even two years ago, the well would probably have failed sometime in July. But by backing off, I only had one day in 2025 where I was concerned about water levels."
The Browns have an automatic fertilizer injector with special filters that help Lisa to monitor groundwater depletion. (The filters are not for that monitoring purpose, but when they get dirty late in the season, I know that the well is low.)
This year, those filters only became clogged once, which is a warning indicator of low water levels, and a stark contrast to previous years. For Lisa, it's a tangible measure of how significantly their water usage has changed and how necessary that change has become.
The Vanishing Shoulder Seasons
Beyond water scarcity, Lisa has noticed another profound shift: the seasonal rhythm that once governed farm life has compressed and become more erratic. Spring no longer creeps in gradually; instead, seasons shift abruptly, which can catch growers off guard.
"There's no shoulder seasons anymore, or the shoulders are a lot shorter," Lisa observes.
"When we first started, you could watch spring develop naturally. There was time to align your planning with the weather. Now, I'm forcing plants to grow really fast while there's still snow on the ground, knowing it will disappear soon and planting time will arrive quickly."
This compression requires a fundamental shift in how she manages production timing. Rather than relying on outdoor observation to guide planting decisions, Lisa now depends heavily on the calendar and predetermined schedules.
"It's a mental thing," she explains. "I can't let what I see outdoors dictate my actions anymore. I have to pay attention to dates and plan accordingly, because the season changes so suddenly. It means a completely new way of making production timing decisions."
This adaptation is not unique to the Browns; it reflects a broader challenge facing regional farmers who traditionally relied on phenological cues, the natural timing of seasonal events, to guide their work.
Climate disruption has made those historical cues unreliable.
Beyond water scarcity, Lisa has noticed another profound shift: the seasonal rhythm that once governed farm life has compressed and become more erratic. Spring no longer creeps in gradually; instead, seasons shift abruptly, which can catch growers off guard.
"There's no shoulder seasons anymore, or the shoulders are a lot shorter," Lisa observes.
"When we first started, you could watch spring develop naturally. There was time to align your planning with the weather. Now, I'm forcing plants to grow really fast while there's still snow on the ground, knowing it will disappear soon and planting time will arrive quickly."
This compression requires a fundamental shift in how she manages production timing. Rather than relying on outdoor observation to guide planting decisions, Lisa now depends heavily on the calendar and predetermined schedules.
"It's a mental thing," she explains. "I can't let what I see outdoors dictate my actions anymore. I have to pay attention to dates and plan accordingly, because the season changes so suddenly. It means a completely new way of making production timing decisions."
This adaptation is not unique to the Browns; it reflects a broader challenge facing regional farmers who traditionally relied on phenological cues, the natural timing of seasonal events, to guide their work.
Climate disruption has made those historical cues unreliable.
Hotter, Drier, and Reshaping Plant Choices
The greenhouse operation has also shifted, with plants they propagate and recommend to customers. Warmer, drier conditions mean that certain plant varieties previously unsuitable for Albert County now thrive, while traditional favourites may struggle.
"We're using this as an educational tool with customers," Lisa says. "We're encouraging people to choose plants that will actually do well in our changing climate. Some plants that weren't generally wanted here before are now practical choices. Others that did fine in the past may not be good decisions moving forward."
This educational approach reflects Lisa's broader philosophy: farmers and consumers must adapt together, making informed choices about what to grow and purchase based on evolving climate realities rather than historical precedent.
The greenhouse operation has also shifted, with plants they propagate and recommend to customers. Warmer, drier conditions mean that certain plant varieties previously unsuitable for Albert County now thrive, while traditional favourites may struggle.
"We're using this as an educational tool with customers," Lisa says. "We're encouraging people to choose plants that will actually do well in our changing climate. Some plants that weren't generally wanted here before are now practical choices. Others that did fine in the past may not be good decisions moving forward."
This educational approach reflects Lisa's broader philosophy: farmers and consumers must adapt together, making informed choices about what to grow and purchase based on evolving climate realities rather than historical precedent.
Winter's Uncertain Role
Perhaps surprisingly, milder winters have not been an unambiguous benefit. While reduced snow removal is convenient, Lisa explains that cold temperatures are not an effective pest management strategy in greenhouses, which is a common misconception. Pests burrow deeper when it's cold; they don't die.
"The real pest control in a greenhouse is sealing it during summer when it's empty and letting it heat up to 140 degrees Fahrenheit," Lisa notes. "The cold doesn't help us, so whether it's minus 20 or warmer, it doesn't change much for our pest management."
However, warmer winters do mean less snow insulation, which can have other implications for soil health and spring planting conditions—another factor in the ever-changing calculus of greenhouse management.
Perhaps surprisingly, milder winters have not been an unambiguous benefit. While reduced snow removal is convenient, Lisa explains that cold temperatures are not an effective pest management strategy in greenhouses, which is a common misconception. Pests burrow deeper when it's cold; they don't die.
"The real pest control in a greenhouse is sealing it during summer when it's empty and letting it heat up to 140 degrees Fahrenheit," Lisa notes. "The cold doesn't help us, so whether it's minus 20 or warmer, it doesn't change much for our pest management."
However, warmer winters do mean less snow insulation, which can have other implications for soil health and spring planting conditions—another factor in the ever-changing calculus of greenhouse management.
Livestock and Feed: Cascading Climate Impacts
The Browns also raise Belted Galloway cattle, Berkshire pigs, meat chickens, and turkeys on pasture. These operations, too, are feeling climate pressure. Two years ago, Fred and Lisa sold the farm's breeding operation to another provincial breeder and now bring in Galloway feeders each spring for natural foraging on the lush summer pastures.
"This year in particular, beef prices will likely be going up because we've had to supplement with hay, something we usually wouldn't have to do," Lisa explains. "The grass just stopped growing. That's definitely an environmental impact factor affecting our beef prices this year."
This illustrates how climate disruption cascades through agricultural systems: drier conditions lead to reduced pasture growth, necessitating additional hay supplementation, which increases production costs and ultimately affects consumer pricing. For a farm committed to local food production, these pressures are real and ongoing.
"This year in particular, beef prices will likely be going up because we've had to supplement with hay, something we usually wouldn't have to do," Lisa explains. "The grass just stopped growing. That's definitely an environmental impact factor affecting our beef prices this year."
This illustrates how climate disruption cascades through agricultural systems: drier conditions lead to reduced pasture growth, necessitating additional hay supplementation, which increases production costs and ultimately affects consumer pricing. For a farm committed to local food production, these pressures are real and ongoing.
Renewable Energy and the Greenhouse Paradox
Lisa and Fred have explored solar energy as a climate adaptation strategy, recognizing that greenhouses are essentially "gigantic heat sinks", which are structures that capture and retain solar energy efficiently. Yet practical constraints have made implementation challenging on their six-acre property.
The Osborn Corner Road farm has many south-facing slopes, making it a prominent location. However, the operation's expanded role as a wedding and event venue means that solar panel arrays could interfere with photography and landscape aesthetics for their guests.
"We're still trying to figure it out," Lisa says. "We're still gathering information about panels on the fronts of greenhouses, but we haven't solved it yet."
This challenge reflects a broader tension in agricultural sustainability: the space constraints and competing land uses of a diversified farm operation can make renewable energy adoption more complicated than simple economics might suggest.
Lisa and Fred have explored solar energy as a climate adaptation strategy, recognizing that greenhouses are essentially "gigantic heat sinks", which are structures that capture and retain solar energy efficiently. Yet practical constraints have made implementation challenging on their six-acre property.
The Osborn Corner Road farm has many south-facing slopes, making it a prominent location. However, the operation's expanded role as a wedding and event venue means that solar panel arrays could interfere with photography and landscape aesthetics for their guests.
"We're still trying to figure it out," Lisa says. "We're still gathering information about panels on the fronts of greenhouses, but we haven't solved it yet."
This challenge reflects a broader tension in agricultural sustainability: the space constraints and competing land uses of a diversified farm operation can make renewable energy adoption more complicated than simple economics might suggest.
From CSA to Farm-to-Table: An Evolving Business Model
While the former Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) model no longer fits the Browns' operation, their commitment to local food production remains unwavering. Lisa, a charter founding member of Foods of the Fundy Valley, continues to champion farm-to-fork practices that strengthen community food security and reduce transportation emissions.
“Considering the demand on our well water levels for growing large plots of vegetables and cleaning them later in the summer, this use requires even more water. Now we only grow for our own events, Thanksgiving boxes, Salsa Kits, and Workshops. This change has significantly reduced demand on our well water table,” Lisa says.
The farm now focuses on seasonal produce boxes (particularly around Thanksgiving), catering for events, direct retail sales, and their core flower business. By concentrating vegetable production and distributing it through multiple channels, rather than through an intensive CSA program, the Browns have found a sustainable model that works within their environmental constraints.
"I'm really focused on farm-to-fork and improving local food consumption as a business strategy that benefits local communities and family budgets," Lisa emphasizes. "Supporting local farmers is important, and it's one way everyone can help protect our environment. You can buy stuff as close to home as possible," says Lisa
“Considering the demand on our well water levels for growing large plots of vegetables and cleaning them later in the summer, this use requires even more water. Now we only grow for our own events, Thanksgiving boxes, Salsa Kits, and Workshops. This change has significantly reduced demand on our well water table,” Lisa says.
The farm now focuses on seasonal produce boxes (particularly around Thanksgiving), catering for events, direct retail sales, and their core flower business. By concentrating vegetable production and distributing it through multiple channels, rather than through an intensive CSA program, the Browns have found a sustainable model that works within their environmental constraints.
"I'm really focused on farm-to-fork and improving local food consumption as a business strategy that benefits local communities and family budgets," Lisa emphasizes. "Supporting local farmers is important, and it's one way everyone can help protect our environment. You can buy stuff as close to home as possible," says Lisa
Looking Ahead: Adaptation as a Continuous Practice
When asked about future climate challenges, Lisa draws on her agricultural research background. During her work in Saskatchewan, she observed zero-till farming practices, a tillage technique developed to prevent soil moisture loss in arid climates.
"If it continues to get drier here, we might have to start looking at those kinds of practices," she reflects. "I'm not having to do it yet, but we might have to someday if this climate change continues. The challenge is managing your soils without disturbing the water that's in them."
What stands out most about Lisa's approach to climate adaptation is its pragmatic character.
Rather than resisting change or waiting for ideal conditions, she observes carefully, adjusts operations based on data, and educates her staff and customers about new realities.
Lisa and Fred have substantially reduced water demands and the timing of consumption from their peak usage rate. They have also shifted production timing, changed plant selections, adjusted livestock feed strategies, and diversified revenue streams to maintain a resilient farm market operation.
When asked about future climate challenges, Lisa draws on her agricultural research background. During her work in Saskatchewan, she observed zero-till farming practices, a tillage technique developed to prevent soil moisture loss in arid climates.
"If it continues to get drier here, we might have to start looking at those kinds of practices," she reflects. "I'm not having to do it yet, but we might have to someday if this climate change continues. The challenge is managing your soils without disturbing the water that's in them."
What stands out most about Lisa's approach to climate adaptation is its pragmatic character.
Rather than resisting change or waiting for ideal conditions, she observes carefully, adjusts operations based on data, and educates her staff and customers about new realities.
Lisa and Fred have substantially reduced water demands and the timing of consumption from their peak usage rate. They have also shifted production timing, changed plant selections, adjusted livestock feed strategies, and diversified revenue streams to maintain a resilient farm market operation.
Building Community Through Adaptation
The Browns employ six seasonal workers in spring and four full-time staff plus two part-time workers in fall. Through their greenhouse operation, event hosting, and volunteer leadership in Foods of the Fundy Valley, Lisa and Fred have woven themselves into the fabric of Albert County's agricultural and community life.
The Browns employ six seasonal workers in spring and four full-time staff plus two part-time workers in fall. Through their greenhouse operation, event hosting, and volunteer leadership in Foods of the Fundy Valley, Lisa and Fred have woven themselves into the fabric of Albert County's agricultural and community life.
Conclusion: Sustainability Through Management Adoption
Ten years have passed since Farmer Brown's Greenhouse was last profiled in the Connecting Albert County newsletter. That 2015 profile of Farmer Brown’s Greenhouse is available to read here
In that time, Lisa and Fred have demonstrated that sustainability is not a fixed destination but a continuous practice of observation, adjustment, and innovation. They have reduced their environmental footprint, particularly their groundwater demands, while maintaining a viable business that feeds families, employs workers, and strengthens local food systems.
As Albert County faces increasing climate variability, Farmer Brown's Greenhouse offers a compelling model: an agricultural operation that adapts and adopts new practices not reluctantly, but as a core strategy for long-term viability. In doing so, the Brown family are sustaining not just their own future, but contributing meaningfully to the future resilience of our entire regional food system.
Ten years have passed since Farmer Brown's Greenhouse was last profiled in the Connecting Albert County newsletter. That 2015 profile of Farmer Brown’s Greenhouse is available to read here
In that time, Lisa and Fred have demonstrated that sustainability is not a fixed destination but a continuous practice of observation, adjustment, and innovation. They have reduced their environmental footprint, particularly their groundwater demands, while maintaining a viable business that feeds families, employs workers, and strengthens local food systems.
As Albert County faces increasing climate variability, Farmer Brown's Greenhouse offers a compelling model: an agricultural operation that adapts and adopts new practices not reluctantly, but as a core strategy for long-term viability. In doing so, the Brown family are sustaining not just their own future, but contributing meaningfully to the future resilience of our entire regional food system.
Sustaining Our Future: The Farmers of Foods of the Fundy Valley is a six-part article series exploring the sustainable farming practices of member farms in the Foods of the Fundy Valley network.
Farmer Brown’s Greenhouse is Profile # 6 and is published in the November 2025 issue. This profile series began in the June 2025 issue of Connecting Albert County. For more information about Foods of the Fundy Valley and local agricultural opportunities, visit www.foodsofthefundyvalley.ca
Farmer Brown’s Greenhouse is Profile # 6 and is published in the November 2025 issue. This profile series began in the June 2025 issue of Connecting Albert County. For more information about Foods of the Fundy Valley and local agricultural opportunities, visit www.foodsofthefundyvalley.ca
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