Pennsylvania Family Farm & Agritourism Insurance

Running a family farm in Pennsylvania today often means embracing agritourism—welcoming visitors to experience farm life firsthand. From pumpkin patches to corn mazes, these activities offer new revenue streams but also introduce unique risks. Understanding the insurance landscape and recent legal protections is crucial for agritourism operators aiming to safeguard their livelihoods and communities.

Recent legislative changes, including the Agritourism Activity Protection Act, have reshaped liability considerations for Pennsylvania farms. This article explores the key insurance coverage options and liability protections available in 2025, helping farm owners navigate this evolving terrain with confidence.

Agritourism in Pennsylvania encompasses a wide range of farm-related tourism and entertainment activities. According to the state's legal definition, it includes any event that allows the public to tour, observe, learn about, or participate in agricultural production or rural lifestyle activities on farm property. This could be anything from hayrides and farm tours to petting zoos and seasonal festivals. The state's rich agricultural heritage, combined with its picturesque landscapes, makes it an ideal setting for such activities, attracting visitors from both near and far who are eager to experience the charm of rural life.

While agritourism offers opportunities to diversify farm income and connect with the community, it also introduces liability risks. Visitors may encounter hazards inherent to farm environments, such as uneven terrain, farm machinery, or animals. These risks can lead to accidents or injuries, which in turn can result in costly lawsuits or insurance claims. Additionally, the unpredictable nature of weather can further complicate events, as sudden rain or storms may pose additional risks to safety and enjoyment. Farmers must be vigilant in assessing their environments and ensuring that safety measures are in place to mitigate these potential hazards.

In fact, a 2019 survey by Penn State Extension found that 38% of Pennsylvania agritourism operators identified the cost and availability of insurance as very challenging, while 37% were extremely concerned about liability issues. These concerns highlight the importance of both adequate insurance coverage and legal protections for agritourism businesses. Furthermore, as the agritourism sector continues to grow, operators are increasingly encouraged to engage in risk management practices, such as conducting regular safety audits, providing clear signage, and offering visitor orientation sessions. Such proactive measures not only enhance visitor safety but also contribute to a more enjoyable experience, fostering a positive relationship between farmers and their guests.

Moreover, the rise of agritourism has prompted many farms to innovate and expand their offerings. Some farms have begun to incorporate educational workshops on sustainable farming practices, cooking classes featuring farm-fresh ingredients, or even wellness retreats that emphasize the benefits of rural living. These additional activities not only enrich the visitor experience but also serve to educate the public about the importance of agriculture and food production. As farmers navigate the complexities of agritourism, they are also creating a platform for dialogue about the challenges and rewards of modern farming, thus fostering a deeper appreciation for the agricultural community in Pennsylvania.

Before 2021, many Pennsylvania agritourism operators faced significant hurdles due to liability concerns. The fear of lawsuits over accidents or injuries often deterred farms from expanding or even starting agritourism ventures. Insurance costs were high, and coverage could be difficult to obtain.         

Recognizing these challenges, the Pennsylvania legislature passed the Agritourism Activity Protection Act, which took effect on August 29, 2021. This law provides important liability protections for agritourism operators, limiting their exposure to lawsuits stemming from inherent risks of farm activities.

The Act defines agritourism broadly, covering any farm-related tourism or entertainment activity on agricultural land that allows the public to engage with farming or rural lifestyle experiences. Under the law, operators are protected from civil liability for injuries resulting from risks that are obvious or inherent to the agritourism activity, provided they give appropriate warnings and maintain reasonable safety measures.

This reform addresses the concerns raised in the 2019 Penn State Extension survey, where 37% of operators cited liability issues as extremely challenging. By limiting liability for unavoidable risks, the Act helps reduce insurance costs and encourages more farms to offer agritourism experiences.

Legal Protections and Their Practical Effects

The Pennsylvania Farm Bureau played a key role in advocating for this legislation. Working closely with state Representative Barb Gleim, they introduced House Bill 101, which became the Agritourism Activity Protection Act. Governor Tom Wolf signed the bill into law, marking a significant victory for family farms.

Rick Ebert, President of the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau, emphasized the importance of the reform, stating, "This commonsense legal reform will help Pennsylvania’s family farms preserve their futures so they can continue to grow their rural communities and enhance our state’s agricultural heritage."

By limiting liability for risks beyond the operator’s control, the law helps farms remain viable amid a changing agricultural economy. It also fosters stronger community connections through family-friendly agritourism activities. As more farms embrace agritourism, they not only diversify their income streams but also create opportunities for visitors to learn about sustainable farming practices, local produce, and the importance of agriculture in their communities. This educational aspect can lead to a greater appreciation for the hard work farmers put into their land and crops.

Moreover, the Act has the potential to stimulate local economies by attracting tourists who may spend money on farm-fresh products, local crafts, and nearby accommodations. As agritourism grows, it can also inspire collaborations between farms and local businesses, such as restaurants and markets, creating a more integrated agricultural ecosystem. This synergy can enhance the overall experience for visitors, making agritourism not just a visit to a farm, but a holistic exploration of the region's agricultural landscape and heritage.

This comparison highlights why agritourism operators often need specialized insurance beyond traditional farm policies. Without it, gaps in coverage could leave farms vulnerable to costly claims.

As agritourism continues to grow in popularity, insurance products and legal frameworks will likely evolve. The 2021 Agritourism Activity Protection Act set a strong foundation, but ongoing dialogue between farmers, insurers, and lawmakers remains essential.

Operators should expect insurance providers to offer more tailored packages that address emerging risks, such as liability related to new technologies or expanded visitor services. Meanwhile, farms that adopt best practices for safety and risk management will be better positioned to benefit from these developments.

Ultimately, protecting Pennsylvania’s family farms through smart insurance choices and supportive legislation helps preserve the state’s agricultural heritage and rural communities. This balance between opportunity and risk management is key to thriving in the agritourism space.

For more details on the legal protections available, the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau’s report offers valuable insights into House Bill 101 and its impact on agritourism liability reform.