“These businesses have a lot to offer for both the owners and the community, but there are key risks involved that must be accounted for before opening their doors to the general public.” — Rusty Rumley
By Drew Viguet
National Agricultural Law Center
U of A System Division of Agriculture
Fast facts:
- Agritourism industry continues to grow
- NALC webinar will highlight risk and liability with these businesses
- Webinar registration is no cost online
- NALC, U of Vermont offer online survey on agritourism
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — With the fall season comes visits to pumpkin patches, hayrides, corn mazes and petting zoos – but for owners of these attractions, risk and liability come along with visitors.
“Agritourism is a huge industry, and continues to grow,” Rusty Rumley, senior staff attorney at the National Agricultural Law Center, or NALC, said. “It can diversify a farm’s income, but there is risk and liability associated with it for business owners.”
The 2022 Census of Agriculture showed a rise in the income generated from agritourism and recreational services, jumping from $949 million in 2017 to almost $1.26 billion in 2022.
With a growing industry comes the potential for liability, whether due to injuries or illnesses experienced by patrons.
“States around the country have implemented specific statutes that outline the responsibilities and liabilities for business owners who are involved in agritourism and equine-related activities,” Rumley said. “It’s important that owners are aware of these statutes and the limitations inherent in them as well. However, further risk mitigation tools such as liability insurance and proper planning are also needed to limit potential risk.”
Equine Activity & Agritourism Statutes: Strategies for Risk Management, the next webinar hosted by the NALC, will focus on states’ statutes and the strategies business owners can take to mitigate risk. The webinar will be presented by Rumley and Tim Potter, equine and animal scientist with a Ph.D. from Texas A&M University, and owner of Potter Consulting, LLC.
“The NALC hears about unique legal situations involving equine and agritourism frequently,” Rumley said. “These businesses have a lot to offer for both the owners and the community, but there are key risks involved that must be accounted for before opening their doors to the general public.”
The webinar is available at no cost. Registration is available online at the NALC website.
During the presentation, Rumley and Potter will also provide real-life examples of risks associated with the equine and agritourism operations as well as practical solutions to address these concerns.
“It’s a fascinating area of agricultural law,” Potter said. “While the fruits of business owners’ labor is visible, there is so much that goes on behind the scenes to ensure these practices are safe from potential risk and liability.”
To read the full news release, click here.