Letters & Submissions

April 12, 2024

Attention: Kevin Vallier, Executive Director
Farm Fresh Ontario
24 Colonel Lyall St.
St. Catherines, ON L2P 0B3

Re: Support for Proposed Growing Agritourism Act, 2024

Dear Mr. Vallier,

The Christian Farmers Federation of Ontario (CFFO) is an Accredited Farm Organization representing the interests of over 4,000 farm families in Ontario who are called to the vocation of farming. CFFO policy promotes economically, socially, and environmentally sustainable farming, advocating that farmers receive fair return for their production and stewardship efforts.

We are writing to state our support for the proposed “Growing Agritourism Act, 2024.” The CFFO supports efforts to protect farm businesses from undue risk and to encourage the overall prosperity of farm businesses and the agriculture sector across Ontario.

This proposed legislation would reduce risk of litigation against agri-tourism operators from risks inherent in agritourism activities, so long as clear warning signs are posted or included in contracts with participants. Agri-tourism is valuable to the agriculture sector. It allows farm businesses to diversify income as an on-farm diversified use. Agri-tourism also increases public awareness and enjoyment of the diversity of Ontario farm products and the value of our agricultural sector in Ontario.

We appreciate your support for Ontario farmers.

Sincerely,

Ed Scharringa,
President Christian Farmers Federation of Ontario