The province’s only association dedicated solely to the support of agritourism in Ontario recently named its 2024 award winners at an event at 13th Street Winery in St. Catharines. Agritourism Ontario celebrates winners in three categories: Ambassador, Leadership and Member of the Year. 

“We are thrilled to recognize an outstanding team, business and individual this year,” said AO chair Darlene Downey. “All three have made extraordinary contributions to the agritourism sector, each in their own unique ways.” 

Ambassador Award Ontario's Southwest Tourism Organization

They have their Next Stop Taste series, create a lot of content featuring local agritourism experiences and itineraries, encouraging folks to visit their local farms and raising awareness of agritourism in their areas. They also conduct a lot of development and training for farmers in diversified agriculture. 

Over the last several years this group has been working with operators to build many agritourism experiences. From there, they’ve built out an Ontario Southwest Signature Experience program to feature the best of the best - again many of which are inviting people onto the farm. 

Leadership Award Matthew Rae 

Matthew Rae was the MPP for Perth-Wellington when he learned of the significant challenges agritourism operators face when it comes to skyrocketing insurance costs and increasing liability risks. MPP Rae drafted the Growing Agritourism Act – Bill 186 which provides a layer of protection for those in diversified agriculture. This legislation is a first of its kind in Canada and a game-changer for agritourism operators. MPP Rae showed extraordinary leadership in drafting this bill and seeing it through to royal assent. 

Member of the Year Snyder’s Farm – Meghan and John Snyder

Located in Bright, Ontario and owned by Meghan and John Snyder, this farm hosts tens of thousands of visitors a year. Their growth, innovation and passion are extraordinary in improving the customer experience. From the corn maze to pumpkin patch, hay rides to Halloween haunts, to a farm fresh bakery and campfires, there are many family fun activities. 

And then there is their community involvement in local charities -- donating goods or services, volunteering for not-for-profits or supporting a local children’s hospital. 

Source:  Agritourism Ontario February 25, 2025 news release