By Scout Nelson
Welcoming visitors to a farm for fun, education, or relaxation is a special part of agritourism. From U-pick fields to animal tours and farm stays, these experiences offer guests a unique connection to agriculture. However, these activities can also bring certain risks for both guests and farm owners.
To help reduce those risks, Minnesota has a law that supports agritourism businesses. Minnesota Statute 604A.40 offers limited liability protection to farms and ranches. This means that if an accident happens during an agritourism activity, the farmer may not be legally responsible—but only if specific rules are followed.
The law applies to many activities, such as fruit picking, cultural farm tours, nature hikes, and livestock visits. Even if guests are not paying, the law still applies. This protection is helpful, but it only works when the farm clearly warns guests about the risks.
There are several natural risks that cannot be avoided. These include uneven ground, changing weather, animal behavior, and the general use of farm tools and buildings. These are called “inherent risks.” Farms are not expected to remove these risks, but they must tell guests about them in advance.
That is why signage and waivers are very important. Signs must be easy to read and placed where guests can see them. Waivers, when used correctly, explain the possible dangers and show that the visitor agrees to accept them. Both tools help protect the farmer and inform the visitor.
Understanding these laws and using safety tools correctly can give farmers peace of mind. If proper steps are taken, agritourism can be both fun and safe.
Photo Credit:university-of-minnesota
Categories: Minnesota, Education