TORONTO – On April 15 Perth-Wellington MPP Matthew Rae tabled the Growing Agritourism Act.
“Agritourism is ripe for growth over the coming years in Perth-Wellington and across Ontario,” Rae said in a press release.
“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 proposed legislation aims to mitigate some risks involved with agritourism operations on farms across the province, according to the release.
To benefit from the liability protections in the bill, agritourism operators would be required to clearly inform visitors of the inherent risks associated with farm operations.
“Thank you to MPP Rae for tabling this piece of legislation,” Farm Fresh Ontario board chair and Downey’s Farm Market owner Darlene Downey stated in the release.
“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,” Downey added.
The legislation would be the first of its kind in Canada, according to the release, and would remove barriers to investment in the agritourism sector in Ontario.
“This bill will serve as a benchmark for the rest of Canada to strive towards,” Rae stated.
“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,” he continued.
In 2022, the Ontario Federation of Agriculture conducted a local food and agritourism survey of its membership.
At least 40 per cent of respondents suggested 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 diversify farm income and raise awareness of the farm and agriculture sector with urban neighbours, states the release.
The Growing Agritourism Act is Rae’s second Private Members Bill since being elected two years ago, the release notes.
The Life Lease Act, aiming to improve transparency and accountability for life lease communities, was the MPP’s first.
He also introduced Motion 63, calling on the provincial government to build out its clean, green nuclear fleet, the release notes.
