Trifter

Norfolk County lies in the heart of the Carolinian Life Zone of south-western Ontario, one of North America’s most vibrant natural regions and productive working landscapes.  With more wild and rare species than most other places in Canada it is a true national treasure. Long Point an important area in the region was declared a World Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 1986.  Long known for being the most fertile land in Ontario one of the main crops in the region was tobacco.  With tobacco sales’ plummeting the area has to take a hard look at what can be done to encourage economic growth without destroying the natural beauty of the area. Norfolk County farmers are exploring some fascinating diversification plans ranging from significant new crops to eco and agri-tourism.

One really interesting area being looked as is alternative crops including hemp, wine grapes, ginseng, baby vegetables, lavender, sweet potatoes, and wolfberries. Wolfberries are more commonly known by the name Goji berry.  Goji berries have been used in China and Tibet for nearly 6,000 years.  In laboratory and preliminary human research to date, wolfberries have demonstrated potential benefits against cardiovascular and inflammatory diseases, some forms of cancer, diabetes, premature aging, memory deficits, vision degeneration and lung disorders. Due to their considerable nutrient value the commercial developments on Long Point are anticipated to become part of a multi-million dollar market by 2011.

The sandy soil of Norfolk County is also perfect for growing ginseng. Over 200 growers are cultivating around 5,000 acres of ginseng.  Ginseng was traditionally used by First Nations people as an important medicine and tonics were created to strengthen the mind and increase fertility.  Canadian ginseng is dominantly imported to China.  The Chinese believe that Canadian ginseng is more “yin” and that the ginseng has a sweeter taste and has more nutritional value.  Chinese ginseng is more “yang” and the two are very complementary within Chinese medicine.  The ginseng berry, which is separate to the root used by herbalists, is currently going through stringent testing in Toronto to see if it is useful for lowering blood glucose levels in diabetics.  Initial research indicates that the berry has significantly lowered these measurements in mice and human testing will begin soon.  Other uses for ginseng have included: treatments for the common cold, memory and libido enhancement and scientific research is ongoing with regard to ginseng’s antioxidant properties which may be useful in cardiovascular protection, lowering blood pressure, pain relief, anti-aging and more.

Norfolk County also has several Lavender farms where acres of the purplish flowers can be seen from June to August.  Lavender is a good tobacco replacement crop and has been used for generations for a variety of purposes from culinary to medicinal besides it use in fragrance.  During WWII lavender was used to disinfect the floors and walls of hospitals and today lavender can be found in everything from baby products to fine cuisine.

Eco-tourism and agro-tourism is generating opportunities by featuring unique experiences such as the Long Point Zip-line and Canopy tour.  Tourists can glide through the Carolinian forest or check out the 45’astronomy tower to see over the Great Lake to the hills of Pennsylvania. Work continues on with ideas ranging from Motorcycle tourism, culinary tourism, eco-tourism with the Long Point Biosphere Foundation and a Winery Group.  Several Norfolk farmers have received the Premier’s Award for Agri-Food Innovation Excellence.  These include the Florence Estate Winery who owners have been adapting tobacco equipment for use in growing grapes for wines.  At the Y U Ranch the owners have converted tobacco fields for Texas Longhorn Cattle in a direct to consumer operation. Blueberry Hill Estate’s project will turn its existing farmers’ market into a tourist destination, by adding an agri- and eco-safari, an education centre, a winery and distillery, and an outdoor expo.  There are still all the traditional things to do in the County as well.  The renowned Friday the 13th Port Dover motorcycle gatherings, the Tour de Norfolk Bike 2 day event, Delhi Harvest Fest, Norfolk Studio Tours and much more check out the website at www.norfolktourism.ca for more details.