Rae’s Growing Agritourism Act Passes Third and Final Reading

[Queen’s Park] – Today, Matthew Rae, MPP for Perth-Wellington announced that his bill, the Growing Agritourism Act, 2024, passed third and final reading, and will receive Royal Assent next week.

“This piece of legislation helps remove barriers to investment in agritourism across Ontario,” said MPP Rae. “Through the Growing Agritourism Act, we’re creating the conditions that give our agribusiness operators the confidence to open up their farms to Ontarians, Canadians and the world.”

The first legislation of its kind in Canada, the Growing Agritourism Act ensures visitors to Ontario’s agritourism operators are aware of the inherent risks associated with visiting a working farm. By requiring operators to describe inherent risks in a simple sign or contract, the Bill establishes consistency across the sectors and removes a major barrier to investment.

The passing of the Growing Agritourism Act was hailed by agritourism operators across Ontario as a crucial step forward.

“This legislation is critical to keep farms open, thriving and welcoming the public,” said Darlene Downey, co-owner of Downey’s Farm and Board Chair of Farm Fresh Ontario. “This legislation will provide agritourism operators with the necessary protection against frivolous claims and give us the confidence to continue to grow and invest in our business.”

Agritourism in Ontario is a vibrant sector ripe for growth. The Ontario Federation of Agriculture has noted in a survey that more than 40 per cent of surveyed members expressed an interest in offering some form of agritourism on their farm. By removing barriers to farm operators and providing consistency across the sector, the Growing Agritourism Act unlocks the economic potential of this sector across rural Ontario.

“This legislation is key to the sustainability and growth of agritourism and agriculture in Ontario,” said Kevin Vallier, Executive Director of Farm Fresh Ontario. “It will provide a layer of protection and peace of mind to farm owners who open their doors to the public.”

The impacts of the Growing Agritourism Act are not confined to rural Ontario. “Agritourism businesses are the bridge between rural and urban Ontario,” said MPP Rae.  “With this bill we are building a stronger and more prosperous rural Ontario.”

As the first legislation of its kind in Canada, Ontario is leading the country when it comes to supporting agritourism.

Bill 186, The Growing Agritourism Act, 2024 will receive Royal Assent next week, officially becoming law.