Members of Ontario’s agritourism sector met with the province’s minister of tourism, culture and gaming, Hon. Stan Cho on April 2 to discuss what is one of the fastest growing and popular sectors in tourism. Niagara MPP Sam Oosterhoff, associate minister of energy-intensive industries also joined the tour. 

Agritourism Ontario (AO) member White Meadows Farms hosted Min. Cho in the morning for a tour of their sugarbush, on-farm store and processing facilities. The minister then met with a delegation of agritourism operators and stakeholders at AO member 13th Street Winery for a very productive session on the potential of the sector, some challenges and the extraordinary work being done by Ontario farmers who have diversified their business and now welcome the public onto their properties for a taste of agriculture. 

“It was an honour to have the minister visit our farm,” said Richard Bering, White Meadows Farms. “His sincere interest in our operation and agritourism overall is exciting to see and greatly appreciated.” 

Agritourism Ontario’s board chair echoed Berring’s comments. “We have been blessed with excellent support from the ministry of agriculture, food and agribusiness under the leadership of former ministers Thompson and Flack and now with minister Jones,” said Darlene Downey.

AO is currently working on two significant projects; the first economic growth study for the sector, and a new agritourism app that will be a fun way for families to connect to their local farms. 

Agritourism Ontario, founded in 1973, is Ontario's only association solely focused on the growth and support of the province’s agritourism sector and its operators says CEO Kevin Vallier.

Source:  Agritourism Ontario April 2, 2025 news release