A new bill passed by the Pennsylvania General Assembly will offer legal protection to farms engaging in what is known as “agritourism,” according to a story in the Reading Eagle. Agritourism describes farm activities open to the community, such as goat yoga, mud runs, story time, hayrides and pick-your-own produce. The Pennsylvania Farm Bureau lauded the bill as a way to help family farms compete in a changing economy. Next, the bill will go to Governor Tom Wolf for his signature.
Based on similar laws in 20+ states, the legislation aims to protect farms from lawsuits associated with those activities. The farms will still be required to take reasonable steps to ensure visitor safety, including posting signage to inform about the risks or asking guests to sign a waiver.
While this legislation offers farms some protection, it doesn’t guard against gross negligence. In cases where an owner has disregarded public safety and a slip and fall or trip and fall results in injury, it may help to speak to an experienced Pennsylvania personal injury attorney. Please reach out to us. Our firm is recognized as a leader in litigating these cases throughout the commonwealth.