Consumer demand for
local food and experiences on farms has led to rapid increases in agritourism
and direct sales of agricultural products. Agritourism
enterprises allow farms to diversify their operations while preserving the
working landscape, creating additional jobs, and maintaining farming
traditions. At the same time, the public learns about the importance of
agriculture to a community’s economic base, quality of life, history, and culture. However, opening
a farm to visitors increases liability exposure and requires safety measures
for the non-farming public.
This project provided training
and resources on agritourism safety and liability for farms and agricultural service
providers. In total, the project team efforts reached 1,178 participants. This
included 1,038 participants through webinars and workshops on farms, producer
association meetings, and conference presentations; 137 sign deliveries to
comply with Vermont Act 31 (limited liability statute for agritourism); and 67 farm
visits with complete safety assessments.
As a result of
project activities, 148 farms implemented actions to improve safety and
liability on their farms. Of those farmers that implemented actions, 12
obtained or changed liability insurance coverage, 17 set up new or improved
handwashing stations, and 144 posted signage related to safety and liability on
their farms.