July 2015 Update
Landowner Liability Resources and Seminars – By Ashley Newhall
After hearing from many Maryland farmers that landowner liability issues, especially those occurring on agritourism operations, were of particular concern to agriculture operators, ALEI made a big push this year to educate farmers on these issues in a variety of ways.
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Speaking of liability waivers: Newhall and Kathleen Tabor, a Maryland attorney specializing in agriculture and equine issues, have created a model landowner liability waiver. The model form is offered for educational purposes to help producers and agritourism operators develop their own liability waivers. The waiver may not meet all an operator’s needs so individuals are advised to seek independent legal counsel before using the form, but it is a helpful starting point and informational tool for producers.
At the Eastern Shore Land Conservancy’s “Eased Landowner’s Breakfast” on May 27, Goeringer and Everhart discussed the various forms of landowner liability and defenses. Everhart has also recorded short informational videos on the topic. The videos cover the general types of landowner liability in Maryland and defenses to liability which all agricultural operators should understand.
ALEI’s efforts to educate and assist operators with landowner liability issues are aimed at reducing liability exposure for Maryland’s farm families.