February 1st, 2025 | SteveN Parker

Buying Local Is So Right-Wing

It's nationalism and anti-globalism by hipsters and hippies.

The "buy local" movement—that charming crusade where every organic carrot and artisanal soap comes with a side of moral superiority. Its proponents, often the patchouli-scented, kombucha-brewing subset of society, preach the virtues of supporting local farmers and businesses while casting side-eyes at anything remotely globalized. But here's the kicker: scratch beneath the hemp-woven surface of this feel-good campaign, and you’ll find it surprisingly aligned with… wait for it… right-wing, anti-globalist protectionism. Yes, my friends, you heard that right. Let’s unravel this deliciously ironic tale.

A Love Letter to Protectionism (But Make It Hipster)

At its core, the "buy local" philosophy screams protectionism—a policy typically championed by the kind of politicians who use phrases like "fortress economy" and "America First" (or Canada First, if you’re keeping it local). The movement’s primary goal seems to insulate local businesses from the nefarious forces of globalization. Sound familiar? That’s because it is eerily similar to the rhetoric of right-wing “populists” who rail against open markets and international trade deals.

Consider this: when you are told to buy apples from the farmer down the road instead of importing them from Chile, you’re effectively engaging in economic nationalism. The only difference is that instead of waving a flag, you’re carrying a reusable tote bag emblazoned with "Shop Small, Shop Local." Both actions reject the idea that global trade fosters mutual benefit and instead prioritize domestic production at the expense of foreign competition. That’s not just protectionism; it’s protectionism with a side of sanctimony.

Canadian Case Study: Dairy Supply Management

Nowhere is this paradox more apparent than in Canada’s dairy industry. The "buy local" ethos is practically institutionalized through the country’s supply management system. This scheme limits imports of foreign dairy products while guaranteeing stable prices for domestic producers. Sounds great, right? Well, unless you’re a poor soul trying to afford cheese in Toronto. By protecting Canadian dairy farmers from international competition, this policy has effectively created a local monopoly, driving prices sky-high for consumers. Yet, it’s widely defended by the same progressive voices who champion economic equality and accessibility. The irony is rich, like a good triple-cream brie (but not one from France, obviously—that would be treason).

The Open Borders Contradiction

Then there’s the issue of labour. Many buy local advocates are also vocal supporters of open-border immigration policies. But let’s pause for a moment to consider what happens when you insist on hyper-local production while welcoming a global workforce. You’re essentially telling newcomers, "Welcome to Canada! Now, please integrate into our economy by purchasing only overpriced local goods." It’s an economic model that excludes the very people the left claims to champion by pricing them out of the market.

Moreover, the "buy local" mantra often conflicts with the environmental goals touted by the same crowd. Local production isn’t always more sustainable. For example, growing tomatoes in a heated greenhouse in Ontario during winter can generate more carbon emissions than importing them from Mexico. But hey, who cares about nuance when there’s a perfectly Instagrammable farmers’ market to visit?

Small Business Fetishization: The New Gatekeeping

Let’s talk about small businesses, the sacred cows of the "buy local" movement. Progressives love to wax poetic about supporting mom-and-pop shops while deriding big corporations as the root of all evil. But this romanticization conveniently ignores the fact that small businesses can be just as exploitative as their larger counterparts. Ever worked for a local cafe that pays minimum wage with no benefits? Yeah, thought so.

And yet, the "buy local" brigade insists that every dollar spent at a small business is a moral victory over capitalist greed. In reality, this fetishization often disguises a deeply conservative ethos: a distrust of big institutions, a preference for insular communities, and a desire to return to some imagined golden age of commerce. If that doesn’t scream "Make Local Great Again," I don’t know what does.

The Hypocrisy of Selective Globalism

Of course, "buy local" advocates aren’t completely anti-globalist. They’re more than happy to embrace globalization when it suits their aesthetic. Need proof? Look no further than your local fair-trade coffee shop, where every latte comes with a side of global consciousness. Supporting local farmers is crucial, but only if they’re from the next county over. If they’re Ethiopian coffee growers, well, that’s just socially responsible consumerism. The cognitive dissonance is almost impressive.

The Real Solution: Balance and Pragmatism

To be clear, supporting local businesses isn’t inherently bad. Strengthening local economies, fostering community connections, and reducing certain environmental impacts are all noble goals. But the "buy local" movement’s absolutism—its rejection of global trade and its moralizing tone—is both misguided and counterproductive. A better approach would recognize the value of both local and global systems, promoting a balanced economy that leverages the strengths of each.

For example, why not prioritize local goods in areas where they genuinely offer an advantage (like fresh produce) while embracing global trade for products that are more efficiently or sustainably produced elsewhere? This kind of pragmatic approach would avoid the pitfalls of economic nationalism while still supporting local communities.

Embrace the Irony

In the end, the "buy local" movement is a fascinating study in contradictions. It’s a left-wing ideology that borrows heavily from the right-wing playbook, a celebration of community that often excludes the most vulnerable, and a call for sustainability that sometimes achieves the opposite. So the next time you’re at a farmers’ market, clutching your $10 zucchini, take a moment to appreciate the irony. You’re not just supporting local; you’re dabbling in protectionism, flirting with economic nationalism, and giving a nod to the very ideologies you claim to oppose. Cheers to that.