Sweet & Salty Success: How Kettle Corn Can Pop Your Profits

There’s something powerful about stepping foot on another farmer’s land—walking their rows, hearing their stories, and seeing firsthand the creativity they’ve poured into every guest experience. That’s exactly what happened when NAFDMA brought together over 100 passionate agritourism professionals for a two-day, seven-farm tour across the Toronto region , July 15–16, 2025. The 2025 Agritourism Farm Tour wasn't just a bus ride through beautiful countryside—it was a deep dive into agritourism at its best, hosted by some of Ontario’s most respected and innovative farm businesses.

Welcome to Renata’s Garden — Where Plants Cultivate Peace and Connection If you’ve ever felt a sense of calm while tending a plant or joy at seeing a flower bloom, then you’ve already experienced a glimpse of what Renata’s Garden is all about. Founded with a deep-rooted belief in the healing and unifying power of plants, Renata’s Garden is more than a garden—it’s a mission to make nature accessible and meaningful to everyone, no matter where they are. Through hands-on experiences, thoughtful education, and a passion for horticulture, Renata’s Garden is on a journey to inspire personal peace, foster vibrant community connections, and spark a lifelong love of learning—all through the beauty and simplicity of plants. Grab a cup of coffee or tea and join us for a Q&A with Renata about her vision and passion for Renata's Plant Bus.

At South Beach Bubbles , our mission is simple: to spark joy and wonder through the power of giant bubbles. Whether you're planning a family-friendly farm festival, an agritourism open house, or a community day on the field, our Giant Bubble Festival Program is a crowd-pleasing, value-added attraction that elevates the entire guest experience.

Kick Up Your Heels! When you think of Knutson Farms in the summer, your mind might jump to bright sunflowers, fresh farm air, and a big red barn that feels like it came straight from a country fairy tale. But this year, there’s something new brewing under those barn rafters—and it’s got boots, music, and a whole lot of rhythm. Chatting with Bri Seston of Knutson Farms to hear all about their brand-new Line Dancing at the Farm event coming this August, and how it ties into their growing agritourism vision.

Becky Walters’ story shows the heart of NAFDMA—where support, connection, and inspiration are always in season.

When people think of agritourism, they often picture hayrides, pumpkin patches, and friendly goats. While those are certainly part of the magic, the true impact of agritourism runs deeper—rooted in its ability to connect people, support local economies, and foster community resilience. At NAFDMA, we know firsthand that agritourism is more than an experience—it’s a movement. Here are five powerful, and sometimes surprising, ways farms are transforming their communities through agritourism. 1. Creating Jobs & Economic Stability Agritourism provides a lifeline for rural economies by generating seasonal and year-round employment opportunities. From tractor drivers and event staff to bakers, marketers, and tour guides, farms rely on a diverse set of skills to bring experiences to life. Each fall festival or sunflower season doesn’t just benefit the farm—it injects money directly into the local economy, supporting families, small businesses, and service providers in the surrounding area. 2. Educating the Next Generation A farm visit can spark curiosity in a way no textbook can. Agritourism offers interactive education for children and adults alike—whether it’s learning how pumpkins grow, understanding soil health, or discovering where milk really comes from. More farms are partnering with schools and homeschool groups to offer hands-on learning that ties into science, nutrition, and environmental stewardship. These “living classrooms” are creating future consumers and agricultural advocates who respect the land and the people who farm it. 3. Supporting Local Makers & Entrepreneurs Farm markets and agritourism festivals are increasingly becoming platforms for other small businesses. Many farms host local artisans, bakers, brewers, florists, and crafters who gain exposure and customers through on-farm events. This creates a ripple effect—helping neighboring businesses thrive while reinforcing the idea that buying local isn't just trendy, it's transformational. 4. Putting Rural Towns on the Map From corn mazes to lavender fields to holiday light shows, agritourism attractions are drawing thousands of visitors to places they might never have otherwise discovered. That influx benefits hotels, gas stations, restaurants, and retail shops in surrounding areas. In many cases, agritourism is helping small towns redefine themselves as seasonal destinations, blending hospitality with heritage and tradition. 5. Fostering Wellness and Belonging Today’s farms are more than production sites—they’re becoming sanctuaries. Guests are looking for meaningful experiences: yoga among sunflowers, glamping by a vineyard, or farm-to-table dinners under the stars. Farms are embracing this shift, creating space for reconnection—with nature, with others, and with ourselves. These experiences promote physical and emotional well-being while nurturing a sense of community and inclusion. Let’s Keep Growing—Together At NAFDMA, we celebrate and support farm businesses that make a difference—whether through U-pick berries, goat cuddling, or school field trips. Agritourism is not just good for business, it’s good for communities. Are you a farm looking to grow your impact? Become part of our vibrant network of innovative, passionate, community-minded agritourism professionals. Learn more at www.nafdma.com Let’s build stronger communities, one unforgettable farm visit at a time.

Why Agritourism, and Why NAFDMA?

Homemade isn’t just a flavor, it’s a feeling.