Access to Liability Insurance for Agritourism Operators

Although definitions of “agritourism” vary, it generally involves opening farm gates to visitors by turning access to agricultural products, services or experiences into tourism products, all while creating supplemental income for producers and celebrating Alberta’s agricultural heritage. 

Increased agritourism has the potential to contribute to the local and provincial economy and contribute to solving other long-standing rural challenges such as but not limited to the following: 

• Rejuvenating rural towns through social and economic benefits by attracting tourists and creating supply-chain networks 

• Creating jobs in rural Alberta 

• Providing farmers with the opportunity to increase sustainability by diversifying and supplementing their income 

Farmers, however, are finding it difficult to obtain appropriate liability insurance for visitors on their farm – whether it is a class of students, or visitors from urban centers or from abroad: 

• Most insurance companies do not offer coverage for agritourism and expect the “activity” to stop, or full farm policies have been threatened to be cancelled 

• A few insurance companies willing to consider providing insurance coverage, either significantly restrict agritourism activities or substantially increase premiums that make coverage unaffordable 

• Many farmers simply operate without the additional coverage which puts them at risk 

• To participate in Alberta Open Farm Days, farmers must carry general liability insurance with the province extending a blanket policy for all operators 

In 2024, the Government of Ontario approved Bill 186, Growing Agritourism Act which: 

• Provides liability protection for agritourism operators 

• Is expected to create a safer environment for both agritourism operators and visitors through risk awareness 

• Encourages farmers to diversify their income through agritourism and contribute to economic development in rural Ontario 

RMA Resolution 8-23S: Provincial Review of Agribusiness & Agritourism (passed February 2023) remains active with a status of Intent Not Met.  RMA has recently initiated the formation of an Agritourism Working Group with the following mandate: 

“Agritourism Strategy Working Group is established to guide the development of a comprehensive provincial strategy that supports the responsible growth, promotion, and regulation of agritourism in Alberta. The Working Group will facilitate collaboration between municipal and provincial stakeholders and identify opportunities to align policy, streamline regulatory frameworks and enhance economic outcomes. This Working Group will assess current challenges and opportunities, recommend strategic actions, and encourage the promotion of agritourism in the province.” 

Agritourism Strategy Working group currently focuses on financial and regulatory hurdles; however, it does not address a very important operational need of access to liability insurance. 

Furthermore, the Government of Alberta continues to promote agritourism as demonstrated by quotes such as;  

“By supporting agricultural-based businesses and operators, we are helping showcase Alberta’s small businesses and farms to the world, while boosting the local economy and creating jobs across the province.” Andrew Boitchenko, Minister of Tourism & Sport (Oct, 2025). 

“Alberta’s farmers and ranchers are some of the best ambassadors for our province. By opening their gates and sharing their stories, they’re helping more people experience the passion, hard work, and pride that define Alberta agriculture. Agri-tourism not only strengthens rural economies, it deepens the connection between consumers and the people who produce their food.” RJ Sigurdson, Minister of Agriculture & Irrigation (Oct, 2025). 

Support for this resolution helps ensure agricultural producers have access to adequate liability insurance to responsibly participate in agritourism activities, especially considering the scope of the Agritourism Strategy Working Group. It is important for the Government of Alberta and relevant stakeholders to enable farmers to accept visitors safely and without additional liability.