In the burgeoning world of agritourism, where farms and ranches open their doors to visitors seeking unique experiences, accessibility is a critical factor that operators must consider. With agritourism services generating $1.26 billion in income in 2022, a 13% increase from 2017 after adjusting for inflation, the sector’s growth is undeniable. However, with growth comes the responsibility to ensure that all visitors, regardless of their abilities, can enjoy these experiences.
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), established in 1990, prohibits discrimination based on disability. For agritourism operators, this means considering physical accessibility, transportation, signage, and guidelines for service animals, among other factors. Jackie Schweichler, a staff attorney at the Penn State Center for Agricultural and Shale Law, emphasizes the importance of understanding these obligations. “Farmers and agritourism operators who invite the public onto their property may not realize the full scope of their obligations under the ADA,” Schweichler said. To help operators navigate these complexities, Schweichler will present a webinar on May 21, hosted by the National Agricultural Law Center (NALC).
The webinar, “Navigating ADA Compliance for Agritourism Guests,” will delve into the key obligations that agritourism operators need to know. From ensuring that pathways are accessible to providing clear signage, the webinar aims to equip operators with the knowledge they need to make their operations inclusive. The event is free to attend and will begin at 11 a.m. Central/Noon Eastern.
Harrison Pittman, NALC Director, highlights the importance of this webinar in the context of the growing agritourism sector. “Agritourism is a unique part of the agricultural sector, and one that is growing tremendously,” Pittman said. “We’re looking forward to hearing Jackie update attendees on some of the key obligations that come with running these types of businesses.”
The NALC, established by Congress, serves as the nation’s leading source of agricultural and food law research and information. Their partnership with the Penn State Center for Agricultural and Shale Law is a testament to their commitment to providing comprehensive resources for the agricultural sector. For those interested in learning more about agritourism, the NALC’s Agritourism Reading Room offers a wealth of resources.
As the agritourism sector continues to grow, it is crucial for operators to stay informed about their legal obligations. The upcoming webinar presents a valuable opportunity for operators to gain insights from an expert in the field. By ensuring their operations are ADA-compliant, agritourism operators can not only avoid potential legal issues but also create welcoming environments for all visitors. To register for the webinar, visit the NALC’s website. For additional resources on agritourism, visit the NALC’s Agritourism Reading Room.