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Growing travel trend of connecting agriculture and tourism is good for all

If, as studies suggest, more people are seeking out unique experiences when booking travel, then agritourism is a logical and increasingly natural byproduct of that search.

Avid agritourists seek to find fresh and sustainable foods, interact with locals and experience their culture and how they live, and to travel to new and rural destinations – whether that‘s farms, agricultural businesses, food festivals or artisan markets.

Ontario is an agricultural powerhouse, with an abundance of rich farmland, making agricultural experiences and rural escapes not far for many Ontarians, even those in cities. In fact, according to the City of Burlington’s planning documents, the city is committed to keeping 50 per cent of its region rural.

Burlington bustles in the city core down by Lake Ontario but, the more north you drive, up Guelph Line or Brant Street toward the Niagara Escarpment, which is a UNESCO-designated World Biosphere Reserve, the area opens up into farmland, parkland and conservation areas.

“The draw for agritourism is offering a connection to nature and unique, family-friendly experiences,” says Claire Green, director of destination development and marketing for Burlington Economic Development and Tourism. Helping people understand where food comes from is a big focus in the city’s marketing efforts. “We’re lucky in Burlington to be surrounded by agritourism attractions.”

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2024 AGM Day 1 Panel - Succession Planning & Risk Management

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Statistics Canada’s 2021 Census of Agriculture indicates that 75% of all farms operating in Canada operate as sole proprietorships or family partnerships. While incorporated farms make up just over a third of Canadian farm operations most of those are also family-run corporations. If the issue of farm succession planning is not on the minds of Canadian farm producers, it probably should be. That same Statistics Canada Census of Agriculture indicates that the average age of a Canadian farmer is 56 years of age with the 55 plus age group becoming the fastest growing segment in Canadian agriculture.

Despite these statistics, the same Census reports that only 1 in 10 Canadian farm operations have a formal succession plan. While each farm has its unique issues when it comes to transferring the business to the next generation, there are some common topics that almost all farmers must address. Join financial, legal, and tax experts to learn about how to begin the process, key tips on ensuring a smooth transition from one generation to the next, and how to manage the strong emotions the topic can create within the family.