Ontario’s agritourism sector is set to undergo a comprehensive economic study aimed at evaluating its current contributions and future potential. This initiative is being led by Agritourism Ontario, in collaboration with Wilton Consulting Group and MNP.
The goal is to better understand how agritourism activities—like farm visits, local food events, and on-farm experiences—are helping strengthen the province’s economy.
The project will include broad engagement with farmers, tourism professionals, and agritourism visitors. Key activities will include an industry-wide survey, individual interviews with stakeholders, and focused research to understand existing challenges and opportunities.
Findings from this work are expected to guide the sector’s development and help improve support for farm-based tourism businesses.
“This project comes at a time when people are looking to support local more than ever. This important work will enable Agritourism Ontario to hear directly from farmers and the tourism industry to help us continue to grow and showcase how farms that offer agritourism are contributing to our local economy and a path forward for the next several years,” said Darlene Downey, Chair, Agritourism Ontario board of directors.
Government leaders recognize that agritourism is an important part of Ontario’s $51 billion agri-food industry, especially in the face of global trade challenges. Local tourism and farming businesses are seen as essential to long-term economic stability and food security.
Agritourism Ontario emphasized the importance of gathering real-time insights from the people most connected to agritourism. The research will contribute to a deeper understanding of how the sector can grow while continuing to offer enjoyable, educational, and sustainable experiences for Ontarians.
The study began in February 2025 and will run through the end of the year.
For more information about this initiative, visit the Agritourism Website.