SF 356 – Iowa Agricultural Tourism Promotion Act

SF 356 creates a new code chapter, “Iowa Agricultural Tourism Promotion Act.” The bill severely limits the civil liability of a farmer/land owner/farm employee involved in agricultural tourism on a farm. The proposal makes significant changes to Iowa’s current “comparative fault” statute; requires notice to be posted; expands the definition of a farm by removing the requirement the farm be at least 40 contiguous acres of farmland used for farming, including a homestead. This version, as amended by the House, also expands the definition of edible or ornamental produce, which includes both fruits and vegetables. Finally, the bill requires visitors/paying customers to sign a waiver. [5/5: 31-17, party line (Excused: Hogg, Nunn)]