Agri Tourism

🌿 Agri-Tourism in Ontario: Types, Risks & Insurance Solutions

🧭 Common Agri-Tourism Activities

  • Pick-your-own produce (e.g., apples, berries, pumpkins)
  • Farm tours and school visits
  • Farm stays and BnBs
  • Seasonal events (e.g., corn mazes, hayrides, harvest festivals)
  • On-site retail (produce, baked goods, crafts)
  • Workshops and hands-on experiences (e.g., cheese making, gardening)

⚠️ Key Liability & Insurance Risks

Risk TypeDescription
Visitor injurySlips, animal bites, machinery contact, uneven terrain
Product liabilityIllness from food, mislabeled goods, allergic reactions
Property damageFire, vandalism, storm damage to barns, cabins, or event structures
Event-specific risksHayride accidents, crowd control failures, temporary structure collapse
Environmental hazardsPesticide exposure, water features, confined spaces
Volunteer/staff injuryInjuries during food prep, event setup, or animal handling

🛡️ Recommended Insurance Solutions for Ontario Operators

  • Commercial General Liability (CGL)
    • Covers bodily injury and property damage to third parties
    • Essential for all public-facing farm operations
  • Farm Property Insurance
    • Protects buildings, equipment, crops, and livestock
    • Add-ons for seasonal structures and event assets
  • Product Liability Insurance
    • Covers claims from foodborne illness or defective goods
    • Critical for on-site retail and food sales
  • Event Liability Insurance
    • Temporary coverage for festivals, weddings, or workshops
    • May include cancellation protection and vendor liability
  • Farm Stay/BnB Coverage
    • Specialized endorsements for guest accommodations
    • May require separate hospitality coverage
  • Volunteer Accident Insurance
    • Covers non-paid helpers during events or operations
  • Umbrella Liability Coverage
    • Extends limits beyond standard policies for high-risk activities

✅ Risk Management Tips

  • Post clear signage and safety rules
  • Use waivers for hands-on or animal-related activities and attractions
  • Conduct regular site inspections and document hazards
  • Train staff in first aid and emergency protocols
  • Label food products clearly and follow safe handling practices
  • Maintain logs for equipment and vehicle inspections

📋 Sample Advisory Language (for client communications)

“As an agri-tourism operator in Ontario, your legal duty under the Occupiers’ Liability Act requires you to maintain safe premises and disclose foreseeable risks. We recommend implementing a waiver system for hands-on activities, reviewing your CGL policy for endorsements related to food sales and events, and ensuring your property coverage includes seasonal structures and guest accommodations.”

Here’s a practical checklist for seasonal event coverage tailored to Ontario agri-tourism operators—especially useful for harvest festivals, corn mazes, hayrides, and farm-hosted markets:

✅ Ontario Seasonal Event Coverage Checklist

🛡️ Insurance Coverage

  • [ ] Commercial General Liability (CGL) policy includes seasonal events
  • [ ] Event-specific liability endorsement (if not covered under base farm policy)
  • [ ] Product liability coverage for food, beverages, and crafts sold on-site
  • [ ] Coverage for temporary structures (e.g., tents, stages, portable washrooms)
  • [ ] Non-owned auto liability (for hayrides or shuttle vehicles)
  • [ ] Volunteer accident insurance (if using unpaid helpers)
  • [ ] Umbrella liability policy reviewed for high-attendance events
  • [ ] Cancellation insurance (optional for ticketed or vendor-heavy events)

🧾 Waivers & Documentation

  • [ ] Activity-specific waivers signed in advance (e.g., hayrides, petting zoos)
  • [ ] Clear signage for risks (e.g., uneven terrain, animal contact)
  • [ ] Emergency contact and medical info collected for staff/volunteers
  • [ ] Vendor contracts include proof of insurance and indemnity clauses

🧯 Safety & Risk Management

  • [ ] First aid kits stocked and accessible
  • [ ] Staff trained in emergency response and crowd control
  • [ ] Fire extinguishers placed near cooking areas and tents
  • [ ] Weather contingency plans in place (e.g., wind, lightning)
  • [ ] Equipment and vehicles inspected before use
  • [ ] Pathways and parking areas clearly marked and maintained

🏷️ Food & Retail Compliance

  • [ ] Food handlers certified (if preparing or serving food)
  • [ ] Labels include allergens and ingredients
  • [ ] Refrigeration and temperature controls for perishables
  • [ ] Local health unit notified (if required)

📋 Regulatory & Municipal Coordination

  • [ ] Event permit obtained from municipality (if required)
  • [ ] Noise, parking, and signage bylaws reviewed
  • [ ] Local EMS and fire department notified of event dates