By Scout Nelson
Agritourism is growing in popularity across Minnesota, as more farms open their gates to visitors for events like corn mazes, pumpkin patches, and orchard tours. However, along with this growth comes the need to manage visitor safety and protect farm owners from unexpected legal risks.
To support both goals, Minnesota passed a law in 2015 offering limited liability protection for farmers who host agritourism activities. This law was developed through strong grassroots advocacy and supported by organizations like the Minnesota Farmers Union (MFU).
“This didn’t happen by accident,” said a representative from MFU. “It came directly from farmers raising concerns about liability and wanting to protect the future of on-farm experiences in Minnesota.”
In the early 2010s, farmers were increasingly worried about minor incidents leading to expensive lawsuits. “Someone got switched in the eye by a cow’s tail or fell in a pumpkin patch, and then the farmer got the bill afterwards,” recalled a former MFU leader.
The movement for reform began at a local meeting in Wabasha County, where a resolution was introduced in support of limited liability for agritourism. The resolution passed and was added to MFU’s policy platform. With support from legal experts and state leaders, model legislation was written and passed.
“This law doesn’t replace the need for insurance,” said a Minnesota official, “but it took away nuisance lawsuits from everyday occurrences on the farm.”
Today, MFU continues to promote agritourism through resources like free liability signage, winter networking calls, and ongoing advocacy for rural-friendly policies.
These efforts help ensure that farms can continue to welcome visitors safely while protecting themselves from legal and financial risks. The law encourages responsible hosting and keeps agritourism experiences enjoyable for all.
Photo Credit:university-of-minnesota
Categories: Minnesota, Government & Policy