In my bill, agritourism providers will be responsible for posting warning signs and including warning notices in contracts signed by participants informing them of the risks that come with agritourism activities. By lending protection to the agritourism locations and workers, the bill states that an agritourism provider is not liable for the injury or death of participants if the cause is due to risks that inherently come with agritourism activities. The agritourism industry provides a firsthand opportunity for Hoosiers to explore farming communities and partake in the agricultural experience. Farmer's markets, festivals, winery tours, Christmas tree farms, pumpkin patches, dairy farms, and orchards are among popular Indiana agritourist destinations providing visitors with wagon rides, interaction with animals and fruit picking to name a few activities. The posting of signs coupled with warning notices included in contracts signed by participants insures they are aware of the potential dangers that come with the before mentioned activities. According to the Indiana State Department of Agriculture, agriculture adds $25 billion to Indiana's economy through farm, food, and forestry products, and the tourism industry supports over 270,000 jobs in Indiana. With this bill passed, farms, orchards, and many other tourists spots can have visitors enjoy what they have to offer without worry. |
