Protect your farm against liability claims

Every farmer knows that implementing safe practises is paramount when it comes to successfully running a farm. However, accidents do happen - and sometimes they happen to people who are visiting your property.

If you want to be sure that you're covered should a third party be injured whilst visiting your property or consuming your produce, we suggest you talk to an Elders Insurance agent about organising a farm liability policy.

Farm liability insurance is a specialised branch of farm insurance that will cover you for any costs incurred as a result of property damages or personal injuries caused by your equipment or products.

Jerry Lami, executive director of the West Coast Farmers Market Association in California, told Food Safety News that liability insurance is important "because it covers medical expenses should a customer come down with a food bourne illness [due to eating faulty farm produce]. It also helps protect a farmer from losing the farm".

Small-scale farmers may feel that farm insurance is expensive and will cost them too much in the short term. However, the long-term benefits of having the correct cover will far outweigh a temporary lightening of your wallet.

Having this type of insurance as part of your policy could save you from losing a significant amount of money, should you be sued for any damages you and your farm are held responsible for. Many small farms would not be able to continue functioning after the financial hit of large lawsuit if they did not have insurance coverage.

Elders Insurance's farm liability plans will not only cover any compensation costs you are required to pay (up to the amount you are insured for), but also pay for any legal services that are associated with a liability claim.

Mr Lami said that insurance isn't something you should only think about when something goes wrong. It pays to be prepared: contact Elders Insurance today to request a quote.