Agricultural Economics Department
Date of this Version
2-1-2006
Abstract
Years of low commodity prices have encouraged farmers to consider adding alternative enterprises to their operation in order to improve farm income. Some farmers and ranchers have turned to community agriculture or “pick your own” operations (including organic agricultural production), and encourage customers to tour the farm when purchasing produce. Other operators have started a fee hunting enterprise. Still others have started a “pumpkin patch” type operation where visitors enjoy a variety of farm and outdoor amusements for a fee. While Nebraska law exempts landowners from recreational liability where no use fee is charged, landowners may be liable for injuries associated with paid recreational farm visits. LB1094 would have provided an income tax credit to offset part of the liability insurance premium for agritourism businesses, but was killed by the Revenue Committee.
Comments
Published in Cornhusker Economics, 02/01/2006. Produced by the Cooperative Extension, Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Department of Agricultural Economics, University of Nebraska–Lincoln.
http://www.agecon.unl.edu/Cornhuskereconomics.html