Raise a glass

If you count yourself among those who worry about Canada’s ability to compete in a global economy, spare an hour this Saturday and come down to the Terroir Wine and Farmers’ Market at the Crystal Palace Picton.

One need not obsess over the virtues of pinot noir or cabernet franc to appreciate that something truly incredible is transforming the County’s economy. Strangely enough, it is something that—in other forms—has happened many times before.

It is easy to wallow in regret and lament the passing of the familiar. Two centuries ago, Ned Ludd smashed early stocking machines, protesting the emergence of technology in the production of textiles. His actions inspired legions of followers who resisted the emergence of machines doing the work of men. We look back upon the Luddites now as a peculiar artifact of history. It was deadly serious business then.

With the benefit of hindsight, we know the industrial revolution— not without consequences, mind you—spawned growth, better jobs and greater prosperity. The Luddites’ fears of a jobless future proved false.

But that knowledge does little to alleviate the anxiety many face today as the jobs Canadians once performed disappear overseas.

First, however, let us savour success in a modest levelling of the global economy. It is likely that a billion or more people have been raised out of poverty in China, Indonesia, India, throughout Asia and increasingly in Africa over the last two decades. Trade agreements and a willingness to suppress our protectionist tendencies have accomplished in decades what revolution, politics and wars failed to do over a century.

But what good is this if we simply trade our prosperity for their joblessness? Is the cost of a fairer distribution of global wealth our ability to earn a living?

That brings us back to the Crystal Palace this Saturday.

Forget, for a moment, as you wander through the aisles of vendors and eager customers, what is being offered and sold. Simply stand back to take in the moment. If you look hard enough, you will see an impressive group of creative entrepreneurs, hard-working innovators, risk-takers and job creators.

Watch closely and you will see the birth of a new economy. Two decades ago, there was no winegrowing business in the County. Today, more than $40 million has been invested in this sector. It employs hundreds of people and produces more than 150,000 cases of wine each year. The sector attracts many thousands of people to Prince Edward County—visitors who eat, sleep and are entertained here. They leave behind about $85 million in the County each year. We are just getting started.

The success of the wine sector has inspired other innovators and entrepreneurs in food—transforming the richness of the soil and the County brand into highly prized value-added goods that are finding markets both near and far. Cheese. Sausage. Heirloom vegetables. Bread. Kimchi. Beer. Hops. Cider.

In another month, the Great Canadian Cheese Festival will attract many more thousands to the County to savour the goodness that abounds.

It has just begun. There remains many, many opportunities and untapped potential in harnessing both the County soil and the brand. The hardest work in creating this economic engine is already done. The world knows good things come from the earth here—and they are coming. It is our job to give them what they seek.

Of course, it is not a new economy. Rather it is an echo of past reinventions of the County economy. Good things have always come from this soil. Barley. Tomatoes. Pumpkins. Peas. And perhaps, one day, this economy too may fade.

But we know it is the basic ingredients that matter most: a good education system, insightful and agile support and reliable infrastructure. These are the common foundations we must continually renew and reinforce.

Innovative entrepreneurs will always find a way to convert their natural advantages into market opportunities. In doing so, they seed new economies, cultivate development and create fresh opportunities for others. Let us celebrate that.

Come and see for yourself this Saturday.

rick@wellingtontimes.ca