On this holiday weekend in Ontario the mayor of Prince Edward County has politely asked visitors to stay away. The beaches of the County beckon but the crowds of sun-seekers have overwhelmed the provincial parks and conservation areas in recent days.
Those people in the streams of traffic might not notice the farmers' fields as they travel southward from the 401, but agriculture, including wineries, is an important part of the PEC economy, and has been for two hundred years. In an earlier day this unique peninsula jutting into Lake Ontario was known as the Garden County. Barley was grown for brewing across the lake in the United States, then canning factories were established for the export of vegetables across the country. The agricultural focus continued well into the 20th century. While today there are still plenty of crops and some farmers sell at markets throughout the area. people tend to think of PEC as a playground rather than a breadbasket.
Today is Food Day Canada, an opportunity to celebrate those who produce our food, to buy local products, and to ask grocers to stock produce from the area. We try to buy local whenever we can. This has been an anxious year for area farmers because of the serious lack of rain. And market vendors are contending with COVID-19.
From a faith standpoint, it would be worthwhile this weekend to consider how important agriculture is in the bible. Jesus told parables about food and those who grow it because he knew that his audience would understand from experience about grapes and grain and sheep.
Even the Apostle Paul uses some agricultural imagery. We can be grateful for those who grow our food and for the blessing of abundance and choice.
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