A new economic impact study released by Agritourism Ontario has established a quantitative benchmark for the sector, pegging its total annual economic output at $633 million. For the Western Australia Agritourism Association (WAAA), this report serves as a vital international case study, proving that when the “working farm” is correctly integrated with tourism, the economic dividends are massive.
Key Economic Contributions
The study, titled Fields of Opportunity, disaggregates the sector’s total economic impact into several key metrics. While WA is still developing its own granular data, this Canadian benchmark mirrors the growth potential seen in Australia’s $17.4 billion agritourism sector.
Key annual figures include:
- Economic Output: $633 million
- Gross Domestic Product (GDP): $313 million
- Jobs Supported: 8,734
- Tax Revenue: $83.5 million
The WA Connection: Just as Ontario uses this data to secure a seat with provincial leaders, WAAA is utilising these global trends to advocate for the 150,000 sustainable jobs targeted by Tourism WA. It reinforces our mission: agritourism isn’t just a “side-hustle”—it is a pillar of regional economic resilience.
Strategic Implications for Operators
The report outlines five primary areas for strategic action. For WA operators navigating our own “Regulatory Lag” and “Digital Divide,” these findings offer a proven framework for local advocacy.
The key recommendations are:
- Regulatory Reform: The study identifies the need to reduce barriers for on-farm diversified uses. WAAA members face similar hurdles with zoning; this report provides the evidence needed when engaging WA Local Governments on land-use amendments.
- Municipal Collaboration: The data encourages cooperation between farms and local councils. In regions like the South West or Swan Valley, this could translate to the streamlined permitting and “Agritourism Trails” outlined in our 2025-2030 Strategy.
- Market Expansion: Ontario calls for deeper tourism partnerships. This validates WAAA’s commitment to formalising ties with three key Regional Tourism Organisations within the next two years.
- Business Development: The focus on risk management training echoes our own upcoming Tiered Membership Program and Mentorship initiatives.
- Infrastructure Investment: The findings highlight the need for better roads and utilities. For WA, this underscores our urgent call for improved rural internet connectivity to bridge the “Digital Expectation Gap” for modern travellers.
The study is positioned as a tool for operators to substantiate the claim that agritourism is a significant component of the rural economy—a message WAAA is determined to carry to every corner of Western Australia.
The WAAA News Team
