Agritourism Ontario has announced a new partnership with Workplace Safety & Prevention Services (WSPS), an Ontario-based health and safety association.
The collaboration is rooted in a shared commitment to fostering a safer environment in Ontario’s growing agritourism sector. As a result, WSPS and Agritourism Ontario will work together to raise awareness, share resources, and address key safety challenges unique to farms that welcome the public.
The agritourism industry blends hospitality with agriculture, creating unique safety considerations for both workers and visitors,” said Agritourism Ontario CEO Kevin Vallier. “By working with WSPS, we’re equipping our members with the tools and knowledge they need to create safer experiences for everyone on the farm.
Key areas of focus
The partnership will include:
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Sharing information and resources to improve safety practices on agritourism farms.
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Educating employers and employees on practical health and safety strategies.
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Hosting joint events and distributing materials that highlight safe farm operations.
In addition, WSPS President and CEO Jody Young noted: “As WSPS serves both the agriculture and services sectors, we are uniquely positioned to provide expertise and support. This partnership allows us to engage directly with agritourism operators and help them create safe and welcoming environments for staff, guests, and local communities.”
Why this partnership matters
Agritourism is a rapidly expanding sector in Ontario. More farms are opening their doors to the public for markets, tours, events, and seasonal experiences. However, with this growth comes added responsibility to keep visitors safe. Therefore, partnerships like this one are essential to ensure operators have access to clear guidance, training, and practical resources.
By promoting agritourism safety in Ontario, WSPS and Agritourism Ontario are helping operators balance business growth with community trust. Ultimately, safe practices protect workers and visitors while encouraging more families to explore and enjoy Ontario’s farms.
If you’re interested in learning more about Ontario agritourism opportunities or accessing farm safety resources, be sure to explore our related guides. For example, you can also read our recent feature on supporting Ontario farmers.
About the partners
Agritourism Ontario represents a diverse network of farm-based businesses. It advocates for the growth and sustainability of Ontario’s agri-food sector. In particular, the organization supports members through education, marketing, and policy development to ensure a vibrant and secure industry.
Meanwhile, WSPS is a not-for-profit organization committed to protecting Ontario’s workers and businesses. It serves more than 174,000 member firms and 4.2 million workers across agriculture, manufacturing, and service industries.
Originally written by Kristy Nedds; revised and adapted for this publication.
Photo by Freepik