‘Tis the season! OK, maybe it’s not that season yet, but it is the season for adults and children to visit farms. Some visitors are buying fresh produce or apple cider donuts, others are learning about where their food comes from. Still others are enjoying a hayride, petting cute farm animals, finding their way through a corn maze or choosing the perfect pumpkin to carve or decorate.
According to the Wisconsin Agriculture Tourism Association, agritainment has increased 30% since 2018. Family farms are at the core of this economic boom as they are increasingly catering to the consumer. Some family farms are offering the additional activities and produce sales because there is a high demand for it, others are relying on this additional income for financial stability.
Do you know what is happening with all your farm and hobby farm customers this fall? Now might be the time to ask them some questions. We know you care about your customers and it’s important to make sure they have the proper coverage for the exposures they may not even know they have.
Some agritainment operations only need basic coverages and others require specialized coverage depending on their unique offerings. Insurance carriers vary in levels of expertise and available coverage endorsements when it comes to agritainment. Make sure your customers have the coverage they need to protect their farms, livelihood and agricultural businesses.
Remind them to notify you when...
ANY SPECIAL EXPOSURES SUCH AS ALCOHOL SALES, SPORTING EVENTS, COMPETITIONS, FIREWORKS, PONY RIDES, HAYRIDES, PETTING ZOOS, BOUNCE HOUSES OR TOURS ARE IN THE PLANS.
THEY ARE CONSIDERING SPECIAL EVENTS SUCH AS FARMERS MARKETS, BANDS, PARTIES OR HAUNTED HOUSES.
THEIR EVENT IS CO-SPONSORED WITH ANOTHER FARM OR BUSINESS.
THIS IS A NEW SOURCE OF INCOME FOR THEM OR THERE ARE CHANGES TO THEIR ACTIVITIES.
Remember to discuss...
• Hold Harmless waivers – when does it make sense to require these?
• Adding additional insureds – when does it makes sense to do this?
• Getting certificates of insurance from vendors that sell on their property
• Keeping track of the total sales and how many people typically come through in one season
• A complete list of all activities
• What type of items are being sold
• Reviewing insurance and limits of a co-sponsor if applicable
• Children and access to climbing on farm equipment
• Customers picking their own fruit particularly if ladders are needed (Apple Orchards)
• Children’s play areas
• Safety for children, adults, and animals (there are many online resources available)
• Traffic and parking safety
• Employees and volunteers
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