Matthew Lalonde and Jaime MacRae, owners of Cornerstone Organics, are seen at their farm in South Stormont. Thompson Goddard Photo
SOUTH STORMONT – Jaime MacRae and Matthew Lalonde run Cornerstone Organics an agribusiness which features an aquaponic greenhouse and producing organic vegetables to sell as well as preparing meals in a certified commercial kitchen.
MacRae explained the organic vegetable business began in 2012, with the aquaponic greenhouse in 2021. Aquaponics is a system of food production which combines using the waste produced by aquatic animals providing the nutrients needed for plants to grow in water (hydroponics). She explained at Cornerstone Organics, tilapia fish provide the nutrients needed for their plants, noting their business is the only certified organic vegetable aquaponic operation in this country, certified by Pro-Cert.
The organic vegetable component began as a result of her son “suffering from allergies to a number of different foods.” As a result, she investigated healthy ways to grow and prepare food and discovered there were a need for local organic and healthy food production. She explained during the growing season she runs a Community Supported Agriculture or C.S.A. which provides clients with an opportunity to receive a box of in-season vegetables grown on site at their farm. She also attends the Kinsman Market in Cornwall and often hosts pop-up markets at their Post Road location. In the winter months, they utilize the aquaponic system, producing organic lettuce which is sold to wholesale customers.
Year-round Cornerstone Organics operates a prepared food business. MacRae mentioned this part of the business has evolved over the past five years, noting the demand for prepared foods and gluten-free food and treats are on the rise. Always a supporter of local agribusiness, she said it is important to use locally grown food when available as well as the use of including local meat and thereby contributing to the sustainability of agribusinesses in the area. Being self-employed comes with a number of benefits, including being able to make business decisions and the wide variety of work involved in running a business.
She mentioned how one of the challenges faced and overcome by Cornerstone Organics was when the aquaponic greenhouse system was added. This involved researching organic pest control in a water environment and discovering ways of controlling them. MacRae noted ongoing research is always required in order to keep pace with new methods of pest control.
Lalonde mentioned when preparing to set-up and run your own business it is important to create the environment which you would like to work in. MacRae suggests sticking to your budget, setting attainable goals and conduct research including market research to ascertain the viability of your plans.
More information on Cornerstone Organics is available on their social media pages and web-site located at www.cornerstoneorganics.com.
If you would like to have a light shined on your business, please contact us at: editor@etceterapublications.ca or call us at 613-448-2321.
Carolyn Thompson Goddard, grew up in Chesterville and attended North Dundas District High School. After completing her BA in Political Science at Carleton University she has worked as a medical secretary and library technician. In 2020 she graduated from Algonquin College with a diploma in Journalism and has been a reporter and column writer for The Record for over 10 years.
