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The first families arrived in the spring. He said they’re also impressed with the quality of the P.E.I. soil.

“A good comment I heard from one guy was ’My horses love it here.’ The land is lighter and they can do with two horses what it would take three or four horses to do in Ontario. They are very happy so far.”

At most of the Amish farms, you’ll find roadside produce stands, or signs directing you in to buy produce or baked goods. One place also listed puppies and bunnies as items for sale.

For Mary Grant, at the nearby farm feed supply business in Cardigan, the Amish have become clients, friends and a draw for tourists.

“It’s just a plus, plus, plus because it’s a way of life that is intriguing to most people and even when they stop at the vegetable stands, a lot of people stop more out of curiosity than anything else,” she said.

Grant said many of the retired farmers in the area are happy to see the old farms being used again and have embraced their new Amish neighbours.

“The retired farmers around here have taken the Amish under their wing in a big way. A lot of times when they come in here, they come with retired farmers from Kings County who spend time with them and take them places. They all have a good time,” she said.

The Amish are known for their draft horses, and Grant said most of the farmers in the county are sending their horses to the Amish to be trained.

People who deal with the Amish families directly can see what they’re adding to our province as a whole.

“People see the lifestyle and respect it,” said Premier Wade MacLauchlan.

“People who deal with the Amish families directly can see what they’re adding to our province as a whole.”

MacLauchlan said the Amish have been a spark for the local economy and he expects more to arrive over the next two years.

Two weeks ago, the first Amish baby was born on the Island — a little girl.

MacLauchlan said he also expects the Amish to spark a sense of pride and enthusiasm in the area.

“That’s always hard to measure but not hard to see,” he said.