Agri-Tourism & Small Produce Growers Information Session
Tuesday, March 29th, 12:00-1:30pm via Zoom
OMAFRA (Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs) and RTO9 (our local Tourism association) will come together on March 29
to share information for agri tourism and small produce growers.
They will share their resources, tools, and programs so that you can better understand how to use them to make
your business or future business grow.
Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Affairs omafra.gov.on.ca
Kathryn Liotta, Agriculture and Rural Economic Development Advisor, OMAFRA
Kathryn Liotta is on loan from the Trade and Investment Unit in OMAFRA, covering Economic Development in Eastern Ontario for Advisory Services East and North. Kathryn has had 32 years experience in the food industry working with Ontario food suppliers promoting them in international markets. Most recently Kathryn worked on the Middle East file developing a network of retailers and consolidators for Ontario companies, as well as assisting suppliers in bakery, dairy, deli, frozen prepared sectors to export to the US, Asia, EU and Latin America. Upon graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Economics and Business, Kathryn developed the sales and marketing departments for several private food companies often doubling sales within the year.
Magloire Ngnitedem, Business Development Consultant, OMAFRA
Magloire Ngnitedem is OMAFRA’s Business Development Consultant, based in Kemptville and covering Eastern Ontario. Magloire has 15 years’ experience in the agriculture and Agri-Food sector, working globally. Prior to joining OMAFRA, Magloire had an extensive experience in new product development, agricultural marketing, and market development, working for both multinationals and SMEs based in Canada, the US, Europe, and Africa. Magloire has a varied education, with a bachelor’s degree in Agronomy and a master’s degree in Marketing. He also holds an MBA in Strategic Project Management from Laval University. Magloire is bilingual and can serve clients in French and English.
RTO 9 – Local Ontario Tourism Team www.rto9.ca
Bonnie Ruddock, Executive Director.
Bonnie has been with the RTO9 since the inception of the Regional Tourism Organization in 2011. Bonnie was appointed to Executive Director in 2017 after 6 years as Operations Manager for RTO9. With a background in finance and a passion for the tourism industry, Bonnie is a true leader. Prior to her career with RTO9, Bonnie was Executive Director for the 1000 Islands Gananoque Chamber of Commerce where she was instrumental in growing membership and launching the official Bi-lingual Visitor Guide for her destination.
Lori McIsaac, Director of Experiential Tourism Development
Lori came to RTO 9 with an adventurous spirit and love of all things travel. She has worked in a variety of industries as a certified Project Management Professional, most recently helping to connect new university graduates with career mentors. Prior roles as District Manager in the Foodservice, Healthcare and Construction industries across Canada. Her diverse background has served to broaden her industry knowledge while refining her leadership and relationship building skillset.
