Gov. Wolf signs law providing farmers with limited civil liability protection

Gov. Tom Wolf recently signed House Bill 101 into law, providing farmers limited civil liability protections while opening their farms to the public for a fee.

Act 27 of 2021 applies to any enterprise that falls under agritourism, which includes pick-your-own produce, farmers’ markets, hayrides, corn mazes, petting zoos, and farm tours.

“Pennsylvania’s farms and the families that run them feed our nation, and agriculture is our number one business within the state,” said state Rep. Barb Gleim (R-Cumberland), sponsor of the bill. “Many farmers in Pennsylvania are turning to agritourism to augment their income as they continue to raise traditional crops, helping them remain economically viable.

Under the law, agritourism businesses are protected from frivolous lawsuits where no party is at fault for injuries or damages. This will allow farms to diversify.

“Getting this measure into Pennsylvania law required bringing all concerned parties together and finding middle ground that benefited everyone,” Gleim said. “It was rewarding work, knowing the industry is aging and needs to expose future generations to its vocation through the current farming community. I am pleased and thankful that the General Assembly, Governor, and stakeholders understood how important the policy was to finalize.”