By Drew Viguet
National Agricultural Law Center
U of A System Division of Agriculture
May 12, 2025
Fast facts:
- NALC webinar highlights Americans with Disabilities Act
- Penn State’s Jackie Schweichler will present
- Registration is online
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — There are a lot of factors for agritourism operators to consider when operating hayrides, pumpkin patches, campsites, orchards and more — with a big one being accessibility for visitors.
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s most recent Census of Agriculture, U.S. farms and ranches generated $1.26 billion in income from agritourism services in 2022. This was an increase of almost 13 percent from 2017 after adjusting for inflation.
Jackie Schweichler, a staff attorney at the Penn State Center for Agricultural and Shale Law, says it is important for owners of agritourism operations to ensure they are following guidelines set forth by the ADA, or the Americans with Disabilities Act. Established in 1990, the ADA prohibits discrimination based on disability.
“Physical accessibility, transportation, signage, guidelines for service animals — these are just some of the factors for agribusiness owners to consider in making sure they are following standards set forth by the ADA,” Schweichler said. “Farmers and agritourism operators who invite the public onto their property may not realize the full scope of their obligations under the ADA.”
Shweichler will review these obligations and what agribusiness operators need to know in a May 21 webinar from the National Agricultural Law Center, or NALC. The webinar, “Navigating ADA Compliance for Agritourism Guests,” will begin at 11 a.m. Central/Noon Eastern and is free of charge to attend.
“Agritourism is a unique part of the agricultural sector, and one that is growing tremendously,” said NALC Director Harrison Pittman. “We’re looking forward to hearing Jackie update attendees on some of the key obligations that come with running these types of businesses.”
To read the full news release, click here.