Agritourism is getting some protection thanks to a bill tabled by MPP Matthew Rae today.
The Growing Agritourism Act aims to mitigate some of the risks involved with agritourism operations on farms across the province. To benefit from the liability protections in this bill, agritourism operators would have to clearly inform visitors of the inherent risks associated with farm operations.
As the first of its kind in Canada, the Growing Agritourism Act will remove barriers to investment in the agritourism sector across the province.
“Agritourism is ripe for growth over the coming years in Perth-Wellington and across Ontario,” said MPP Rae in a news release issued today. “This legislation, if passed, will remove barriers to investment, provide consistency across Ontario’s agritourism providers, and ensure participants are aware of the inherent risks associated with farm activities.”
For more information, see the press release below.
Today, Matthew Rae, MPP for Perth-Wellington, tabled the Growing Agritourism Act, 2024.
“Agritourism is ripe for growth over the coming years in Perth-Wellington and across Ontario,” said MPP Rae. “This legislation, if passed, will remove barriers to investment, provide consistency across Ontario’s agritourism providers, and ensure participants are aware of the inherent risks associated with farm activities.”
The Growing Agritourism Act aims to mitigate some of the risks involved with agritourism operations on farms across the province. To benefit from the liability protections in this bill, agritourism operators would have to clearly inform visitors of the inherent risks associated with farm operations.
“Thank you to MPP Rae for tabling this piece of legislation,” said Darlene Downey, Board Chair of Farm Fresh Ontario and owner of Downey’s Farm Market. “We are grateful for his leadership in putting forth the Growing Agritourism Act This act will give peace of mind to farm operators across Ontario, allowing us to continue to welcome visitors to our homes and farms, sharing our passion for agriculture through fun and educational experiences.”
As the first of its kind in Canada, the Growing Agritourism Act will remove barriers to investment in the agritourism sector across the province.
“This bill will serve as a benchmark for the rest of Canada to strive towards,” Rae said. “Many of our farm families in Perth-Wellington, and across Ontario, are choosing to offer agritourism activities on their farms. They are opening their homes to the public to share their love of the land and animals. It is important we ensure all parties know the inherent risks associated with walking on to an active farm operation.”
In 2022, the Ontario Federation of Agriculture conducted a local food and agritourism survey of their membership. More than 40 per cent of the respondents indicated that they would sell value-added products ranging from baked goods and wool to preserves and prepared meals, as well as providing on-farm experiences. Agritourism provides opportunities to both diversify farm income and raise awareness of the farm and agriculture sector with urban neighbours.
This is MPP Rae’s second Private Members Bill since being elected two years ago. His first Private Members Bill, Bill 141, Life Lease Act, aims to improve transparency and accountability for life lease communities. He also introduced Motion 63, which called on the Government of Ontario to build out its clean, green nuclear fleet.
Additional Quotes
“Agritourism is one of Ontario’s premier food, farming, and visitor exports, but faces many challenges which limit its economic potential—one of which is liability exposure. TIAO welcomes the introduction of the Growing Agritourism Act, which we believe will provide businesses with the necessary protection against frivolous claims and equip them with the confidence to grow and invest in compelling agritourism experiences that enhance the competitiveness of Ontario’s tourism industry.”
- Andrew Siegwart, President and CEO of Tourism Industry Association of Ontario
“As the popularity of agritourism continues to grow in Ontario, our members need some level of protection so that they can continue to entertain and educate families about agriculture and provide a family fund experience like no other. The Growing Agritourism Act is a game changer for our sector and our members.”
- Kevin Vallier, CEO, Farm Fresh Ontario
“Ontario farmers are innovating through agritourism opportunities and connecting with Ontarians by selling exceptional local products, educating consumers on where their food comes from, and growing our provincial economy through new revenue streams. The Growing Agritourism Act 2024 will reduce red tape and help agritourism operators grow and diversify their operations across Ontario.”
- Drew Spoelstra, President, Ontario Federation of Agriculture
