MEDIA RELEASE
Agritourism Ontario Releases First-of-Its-Kind Economic Growth Study Highlighting Sector’s Impact Across the Province
[Ontario] — March 10, 2026 — Agritourism Ontario has released its groundbreaking Economic Growth Study titled Fields of Opportunity on the agritourism sector in Ontario — the first comprehensive analysis of its kind in the province.
“Agritourism plays an important role in strengthening our province by connecting people to food and farming while providing operators with exciting ways to grow their businesses,” said Trevor Jones, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness. “Our government is proud to support Agritourism Ontario’s economic growth study, which delivers a practical road map for continued growth and long-term sustainability of the sector.”
The study provides an in-depth look at the economic contributions of agritourism businesses and outlines a clear path forward to support sustainable growth for operators, rural communities, and municipalities.
“We are excited about the completion of this important work. It not only establishes where the agritourism sector is today but provides a path forward for growth, including opportunities and challenges,” said Agritourism Ontario board chair Melinda McArthur.
Key Findings
The report demonstrates that agritourism is a powerful and growing economic driver, contributing significantly to:
- Local job creation and small business development
- On-farm diversification and increased farm viability
- Municipal tax bases and regional economic resilience
- Tourism spending in rural and underserved communities
Specific Results
- $633 million in economic output annually
- $313 million in GDP annually
- Supporting 8,734 jobs
- Contributing $83.5 million in federal, provincial, and municipal tax revenues.
“This study confirms what our members have long known — agritourism is not just a value-added activity for farms, it is a cornerstone of rural economic development,” said Kevin Vallier, CEO of Agritourism Ontario. “For the first time, we have clear, data-driven evidence that demonstrates the scale and importance of this sector to both provincial and municipal economies.”
A Strategic Path Forward
Beyond measuring economic impact, the study outlines actionable recommendations to ensure continued growth and long-term sustainability of the sector, including:
- Reducing regulatory barriers for on-farm diversified uses
- Enhancing collaboration between municipalities and operators
- Expanding marketing and tourism partnerships
- Supporting training, risk management, and business development
- Investing in infrastructure to accommodate visitor growth
The findings emphasize the need for coordinated support from provincial and municipal governments to unlock the full economic potential of agritourism.
Strengthening Rural Communities
Agritourism plays a critical role in keeping farms viable, attracting visitors to rural communities, and encouraging year-round economic activity. By drawing visitors beyond major urban centres, agritourism spreads tourism dollars more evenly across the province and supports local restaurants, accommodations, retailers, and service providers.
Municipal leaders are encouraged to use the study as a resource for planning, zoning, and economic development strategies that recognize agritourism as a vital contributor to community prosperity.
About the Study
The Economic Growth Study was conducted using sector-wide data, operator surveys, and economic modelling to quantify direct, indirect, and induced impacts. It represents the most comprehensive assessment of Ontario’s agritourism industry to date.
The study was conducted by Wilton Consulting Group and MNP under the guidance of Agritourism Ontario and with the support of Foodland Ontario and the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness.
Read the Agritourism Growth Study