Rural Redefined: Post-Georgetown Conference 2013 Insight by Linda Best

The time is ripe to re-energize the entrepreneurial spirit that historically characterized Atlantic Canadians.

From the successes of early settlers to the accomplishments of individuals today, from entrepreneurs in small communities to urban farmers, from engaged kids to senior volunteers, there are multitudes of examples of Atlantic spirit. Maybe it’s the ocean around us, maybe the food we grow, the distances that make us self-reliant but neighborly, the friend and family connections: these and many other elements inspire engagement and innovation and enterprise.

Perhaps some of us have lost sight of our abilities, perhaps we’ve become a bit too dependent on external solutions, but we all know lots of people whose knowledge, foresight and determination has created solutions that have worked locally and globally. We know how to “get ‘er done”.

FarmWorks is one of those solutions. Investment of local money in farmers and food producers is providing the conditions for enterprising food entrepreneurs to increase production, ensuring sustainability and the availability of increasing amounts of good food for citizens.
Georgetown reminded everyone that the spirit needs nurturing and each of us is in the right place at the right time to do that. Let’s emulate Pam Mood, Mayor of Yarmouth, who asked for and got “All Hands on Deck”.

Linda Best at Georgetown Conference 2013

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You can watch all the George Town Conference 2013 talks here:

http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/39544430