Texas Agriculture Daily

By Julie Tomascik
Associate Editor

Farm visits help consumers connect the dots in agriculture. But are there ways for landowners to help protect themselves from liability if a visitor has an accident on their property?

Current law gives agritourism owners additional liability protection if warning signage is posted that’s visible to visitors involved in on-farm activities or if they sign waivers.

Texas Farm Bureau (TFB) offers agritourism liability signs that meet the language requirements.

The law, which was originally presented by Sen. Charles Perry and Rep. Andrew Murr, contains language that requires landowners to post specific language warning visitors of potential hazards on the property or have a waiver signed. Civil Practice and Remedies Code 75 created liability protection for recreational businesses, and the additional language took the steps to further protect agritourism owners.

Farmers and ranchers who use their land for agritourism—corn mazes, pumpkin patches, u-pick operations, hay rides, agricultural field days and more—received additional liability protection starting Sept. 1, 2015.

“Agritourism is a growing business in Texas and farmers and ranchers are taking advantage of the opportunities to engage consumers in activities on the farm and ranch,” Regan Beck, TFB’s director of Government Affairs, said. “These signs allow our members who want to provide guests a chance to get outdoors and reconnect with agriculture a way to feel more secure about unforeseen liability issues.”

Agritourism—the intersection of agriculture and tourism—is a growing trend fueled by consumers. It serves a dual purpose—allowing for farming and ranching practices as well as farm visits.

“The allure of the farm is strong in the fall, and it’s a season that offers many opportunities to dive into outdoor activities,” Beck said. “These are prime opportunities to strike up a conversation with the farmers and ranchers responsible for growing the food that feeds our country.”

TFB’s agritourism liability signs are available for $6 (plastic) or $12 (metal composite). Shipping and tax will be calculated during the checkout process.

Signs may be purchased online through the TFB Store at texasfarmbureau.org/store. After clicking on the “member” link, you will be prompted to enter your MyTFB account information to proceed. If you don’t have an account, you can create one by clicking on the “Create Account” link.

Check with your county Farm Bureau office regarding possible local inventory and pricing.