Agricultural heart beats strong


Agriculture is alive and well in Prince Edward County. Fifth generation farmers are exploring the latest technology and trends to revitalize and modernize family operations.

Our pastoral landscape nurtures a vibrant agricultural industry that is the heart of the County. Traditional agriculture is growing such as cash crops, dairy and beef as well as niche crops and organic operations. Agricultural services is a growth industry here and, of course, there is the exciting growth of the wine industry.

Prince Edward County has unique character and characters, like the world famous Fish Lake Garlic Man and his mission to “spread the garlic gospel.” We promote the concept of “Farmers Faces,” so buyers know where and who their food is coming from, and access to high quality ingredients from family farms has attracted world-class chefs to locate their restaurants here.

Creative County product developers and niche merchandisers put their own twists on farming and food development. From organic barley to organic beef, wild boar sausage to ice wine truffles, handmade jellies, artisan cheese, spring lambs and maybe the best handmade ice cream in Canada, Ontario’s “Garden County” is very much at home with the agricultural trends of the 21st century.

Visit the various profiles of our local farmers faces here.

Agricultural History
For much of the 20th century, our unique lime-rich soils and microclimates earned us the name of Canada's Garden County, and at its agricultural peak this self-contained island community supplied 43% of Canada's canned tomatoes and other produce.

Barley Days
In the late 19th century the County was a major producer of top quality barley to feed the insatiable North American brewing industry. Barley exports fuelled a shipbuilding industry, made a lot of people rich and paid for many grand and beautiful brick buildings. Sadly, in 1890 the United States placed tariffs on our most profitable export. The boom ended literally overnight and County farmers turned to crops and livestock.

Cheese Factories
After the "barley days," entrepreneurial County farmers explored different opportunities including more dairy farming. Their success was such that at its peak the dairy industry supported 20 cheese factories. Many historic buildings that are now homes, shops and restaurants started life as a cheese factory. As industrialization crept over the countryside, small producers were purchased and amalgamated until we were left with just one cheese factory. Black River Cheese was established in 1901 as a co-operative and has survived 100 years of turmoil including rising from the ashes of a devastating fire in 2001. Rebuilt and going strong it still produces award-winning cheeses.

Canning Industry, Fruit and Vegetables
After the collapse of the grain trade, fruit and vegetable production flourished. Wellington Boulter started the first canning factory in 1882, and with experience and entrepreneurial spirit County farmers made the most of the growing demand for canned goods. Prince Edward County became Canada's second largest canning region, at one time boasting almost half a million fruit trees. Our farmers have always been tough and adaptable, and agricultural leaders and businessmen shaped our economy.