DESABLE — A well-known Island tradition — an unstaffed farmer’s roadside stand where passers-by can buy fresh-grown produce and pay by the honour system — is trying something new this year. In addition to new potatoes and Irish cobblers, Jordan MacDougall, a fifth-generation farmer, is offering fresh-grown turnips in his stand. And also marijuana.
We think that offering [turnips] will be a big hit.
Jordan MacDougall, definitely not talking about marijuana
“You see, customers like the novelty,” explains MacDougall, “which is why we think that offering [turnips] will be a big hit. It’s different, it’s exciting, and it’s not something that every stand offers.”
When asked about payment methods — traditionally, cash is left in a locked box and collected at the end of the day — MacDougall was not concerned.
“People who use [turnips] are trustworthy folks. Sure, there’s going to be some people that take advantage of it. But we know that at the end of the day, more people will pay full-price or more for fresh, Island-grown [turnips]. And at the end of the day, if there’s any [turnips] left over, I’ll put it to good use myself.”
As of this evening, MacDougall has announced that profits have already quadrupled those of last years’ stand, and there are many turnips left for purchase.
The Islander 