Beamsville – In recognition of the people, businesses, organizations and communities driving economic growth and prosperity in agricultural communities across the province, Sam Oosterhoff, MPP for Niagara West, is marking the first ever Rural Ontario Week, September 20 to 26. Following a unanimous vote by the Legislative Assembly of Ontario in March, Rural Ontario Week was established as an annual observance scheduled for the third full week of September. MPP Oosterhoff celebrated the best of rural Ontario at the 2026 International Plowing Match and Rural Expo in Walkerton this week as newly appointed Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness.
“Raised on a local farm in Niagara and as Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness, I understand the key contribution of farm families and rural businesses to our provincial economy,” said MPP Oosterhoff.
“From hosting last year’s International Plowing Match at the West Niagara Agricultural Centre and Fairgrounds, to attracting thousands of visitors at local annual agricultural events like the West Niagara Fair, Wainfleet Fall Fair, Niagara Grape and Wine Festival, Marshville Heritage Festival and Ball’s Falls Thanksgiving Festival, Niagara features some of the best food and farms in the province.”
Ontario is the first province in Canada to formally recognize an annual week celebrating the contributions of rural communities.
“In rural communities across the province, people are making a difference every day by stepping up, creating opportunities and helping to build a stronger rural Ontario,” said Hon. Lisa Thompson, Minister of Rural Affairs.
Joined by MPP Oosterhoff at the 2026 International Plowing Match and Rural Expo, Minister Thompson announced the opening of nominations for the Rural Ontario Inspiration Awards, an annual program recognizing the people, businesses, organizations and communities that are helping to drive economic growth, create opportunity and strengthen rural Ontario. Nominations for the Rural Ontario Inspiration Awards will be accepted until Friday, October 23, 2026.
The Rural Ontario Inspiration Awards support the three pillars of Enabling Opportunity: Ontario’s Rural Economic Development Strategy by recognizing contributions to safe and strong rural communities, business development and attraction and a growing rural workforce, all of which help build a strong and thriving rural economy.
“Rural Ontario is a driving force behind our province’s economy, and its success is built on the hard work of local leaders, businesses and communities that create jobs, attract investment and build opportunity,” said Hon. Rob Flack, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing.
“Our government is proud to recognize the people and organizations who work tirelessly to strengthen their communities, grow local economies and ensure rural Ontario continues to prosper for generations to come.”
Rural Ontario is a major driver of Ontario’s economy. From agriculture and manufacturing to energy, mining, forestry and tourism, rural communities support 1.2 million jobs and contribute $117.8 billion to the province’s Gross Domestic Product. In Niagara, the agricultural sector supported 24,000 jobs and contributed $1.71 billion to the regional Gross Domestic Product – an increase of twenty-one percent since 2016.