Request for Proposals:
Economic Growth Study for Agritourism Ontario
RFP Release Date: Dec. 30, 2024
Introduction: Agritourism Ontario is seeking a professional qualified team or individual
to produce a high-quality analysis of the current economic impact and growth potential of
Ontario’s agritourism sector.
Information about Farm Fresh Ontario (farmfreshontario.com):
Agritourism Ontario is a membership-based association that represents farms in the agritourism sector from across the province. The association provides networking opportunities, professional development, events and advocacy for its members. Agritourism Ontario also promotes, in a broad sense, Ontario’s agritourism sector, encouraging people to visit local farms.
RFP for Agritourism Ontario Economic Growth Study
This study is intended to supplement and/or refine the information that is known about the economic contributions from visitors to the province’s diversified farms. The economic analysis and growth forecast report will be used by Agritourism Ontario to highlight that agritourism in Ontario is not only a contributor to the quality of life in the province, but also an important economic asset worthy of public and private investment.
The study will also chart a course for the growth of the sector, identifying opportunities and challenges over the next 20 year
Methodology:
To be determined by the proposer, but could include direct interviews of farm visitors (with consent), Agritourism Ontario members and associate members, tourism associations/departments and economic development professionals, academics with knowledge of agritourism/agriculture, and/or analysis of economic indicators.
While this economic analysis is being commissioned by Agritourism Ontario, we anticipate that other key stakeholders will find the results useful and Agritourism Ontario is committed to sharing the results with interested parties to help grow the sector across the province.
Proposals should include:
- a narrative description of the work proposed;
- detailed budget;
- timeline of key steps throughout the study;
- curricula vitae of all researchers involved in the study and a description of their roles;
- description of your team’s (or individual) experience with economic impact/growth studies;
- description of what you think distinguishes your team and proposed study from your competitors;
- list of pertinent publications (if not included in the CV);
- a reference list of other organizations/agencies for whom you have done work and a point of contact there;
- a statement of litigation and/or conflict of interest, if any (see “Standards of Conduct” below); and,
- supplemental materials, if helpful to your proposal.
Proposal Due Date: Jan. 17, 2025
Proposals may be submitted by e-mail (in pdf format) to Kevin Vallier, CEO, Agritourism Ontario at kevin@agritourismontario.com.
Proposals may also be mailed to:
Agritourism Ontario
24 Colonel Lyall Street
St. Catharines, ON L2P 0B3
Questions may be submitted by e-mail or phone to Kevin Vallier at 905-321-8525 or kevin@agritourismontario.com.
Standards of Conduct
Insurance
If selected, bidder must be able to provide a certificate of insurance listing Agritourism Ontario an additional insured.