Rae tables private member's bill to protect agritourism

Perth-wellington MPP Matthew Rae has tabled a private members' bill intended to protect agritourism operators from some of the risks involved on farms and similar operations across the province.

“Agritourism is ripe for growth over the coming years in Perth-wellington and across Ontario,” Rae said. “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.”

To benefit from liability protections in the Growing Agritourism Act, agritourism operators would have to clearly inform visitors of the inherent risks associated with farm operations if they take certain precautions, such as signing a waiver or erecting adequate signage.

It does not eliminate the responsibility of the operator to take steps to ensure a safe environment outside of inherent risks related to the operation.

“We are grateful for his leadership in putting forth the Growing Agritourism Act,” said Darlene Downey, Farm Fresh Ontario board chair and Downey's Farm Market owner. “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 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.

“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,” Tourism Industry Association of Ontario (TIAO) president and CEO Andrew Siegwart said. “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.”