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Orchard And Grove Insurance Policy Information

Orchard And Grove Insurance. Apples, peaches, pears, plums, cherries, oranges; there are so many delightfully delicious and wonderfully nutritious goodies that grow naturally from trees.

Orchards grow fruit and nuts on trees or shrubs, including apples, berries, cherries, pears, peaches, peanuts, pecans, and walnuts. Orchards for citrus fruits such as grapefruit, lemons, limes, and oranges are often called groves.

Some orchards have retail operations where customers visit the premises, including "You Pick It" operations. Some process their goods into cider, jellies, or jams to sell to customers. Others take their products to local farmers' markets.

At harvest time, the farmer either drives the produce to processing plants or hires a carrier to transport them.

Orchards and groves depend on natural substances such as compost and manure to be successful, plus several chemical applications such as fertilizers, fungicides, herbicides, and pesticides. Mowers, pickers, tillers, tractors, and other types of farming machinery are required to support production.

If you're lucky enough to own an orchard or grove - whether it only features a single type of tree or it's expansive and features a variety of species - you want to share the yummy and nutritious bounty that your trees produce.

That's why you've decided to open up your farm to the public and invite them in to pick their own fresh fruits. You also employ a team to help you manage your trees and your land and pick crops to be distributed.

While you always go the extra mile to make sure that your orchard or grove functions properly and that everyone who uses it or receives products from it is satisfied, you just never know when something unexpected could go wrong.

To protect yourself from the risks that are associated with owning and operating an orchard or grove, making sure that you are properly protected with the right type of insurance coverage is an absolute must.

Why is orchard and grove insurance so important? What kind of policies should you carry? Read on to find out the answers to these questions and more.

Orchard and grove insurance protects your operations from lawsuits with rates as low as $47/mo. Get a fast quote and your certificate of insurance now.

Below are some answers to commonly asked grove and orchard insurance questions:

• What Is Orchard And Grove Insurance?
• How Much Does Orchard And Grove Insurance Cost?
• Why Do Orchards And Groves Need Insurance?
• What Type Of Insurance Do Orchards And Groves Need?
• What Does Orchard And Grove Farm Insurance Cover & Pay For?

Why Do Orchards And Groves Need Insurance?

There's so much that goes into owning, operating, and maintaining an orchard or grove. The land and your trees have to be properly maintained and cared for, which means that a lot of tools and equipment need to be used.

You may employ a crew to assist you with the operational functions. If you offer “U-Pick” services, you are also responsible for anything that happens to the public while they are on your property.

In other words, as the owner and operator of an orchard or grove, you have a lot of responsibilities on your shoulders, and should something go wrong, you will be held legally liable.

Someone could trip and fall while picking fruit from your grove. A staff member could fall off a ladder and sustain an injury while picking crops. Your property could be damaged as a result of a severe weather event. These are just a few of the unexpected things that could happen, and if they do, you could be looking at serious financial losses.

If you have the right orchard and grove insurance , however, instead of having to pay for the related expenses out of your own pocket, your insurance company will cover the costs for you. In short: insurance can help you avoid monetary devastation.

Orchard's And Grove's Risks & Exposures

Premises liability exposures are generally low. The operation of farming equipment and ATVs not subject to motor vehicle registration falls under premises liability, not automobile liability, even when being used on public roads. Poor rural road conditions combined with heavy or awkward equipment and occasional operation by underage drivers can result in accidents.

Group tours, retail stores, and frequent visits by agriculture agents, chemical applicators, mechanics, and inspectors increase the exposure. Visitors may be injured due to uneven walking surfaces, inadequate housekeeping, farm machinery, and confined or closed spaces.

Some orchards include a "You Pick It" operation which requires additional protections for those picking and any young children who accompany them. Clear guidance must be provided as to where picking can take place and the areas where the pickers can venture. Barriers must be in place to prevent young children from entering dangerous areas.

Products/completed operations liability exposures are moderate due to the possibility of contaminated produce from the use of chemical applications. Any processing of fruit into ciders or other food items must be handled in a sanitary manner to prevent foreign objects from getting into containers. Only FDA approved pest control chemicals should be used.

Environmental impairment liability exposures can be high due to the potential for air, land, or water pollution from the use of agricultural chemicals and pollutants such as insecticides, fungicides, pesticides, and herbicides, fuels for machinery and motor vehicles, refrigerants, and solvents. Use and disposal of all chemicals must be documented and meet all FDA and EPA standards. If there are underground storage tanks, a UST policy will be required.

Workers compensation exposures are very high as orchards are very labor-intensive. Work may be required for long hours and in all kinds of weather conditions. Harvesting and tree pruning are done at heights, increasing the risk of falls.

Training, supervision, and communication are important in maintaining a safe work environment, especially during harvest time when significant numbers of seasonal and/or day laborers may be hired. Working around farm machinery, tools and equipment can result in a variety of injuries ranging from minor to severe.

Slips, trips, falls, back injuries from lifting, broken bones, foreign objects in the eye, hearing impairment from noise, and muscle strains are common. Use of cider presses or cooking equipment for preserves can result in crushing injuries, cuts, and burns. Exposure to farm chemicals and organic dust can lead to respiratory issues.

Workers can suffocate in confined spaces such as bins, tanks, and silos. Injuries can result from falls or from loading and unloading vehicles.

Property exposures depend on the size of the operation, type of fruits and nuts stored, and the number and types of buildings. Ignition sources include faulty electrical wiring, fuel, heaters, refrigeration units and smoking. Wiring must be up to date and well maintained.

Explosions can occur if ammonia is used as a refrigerant. Lightning may strike buildings unprotected by rods and Ground Fault Interrupters (GFIs), dryers and presses can overheat or become jammed, decaying organic material may spontaneously combust, burning operations may spread, and severe winds and tornados may destroy property in certain geographical areas.

Buildings may collapse under the weight of stored produce. Orchards are in rural areas where fire response time may be slow and a water supply to douse a fire may be undependable.

Refrigeration equipment may break down resulting in spoilage. Smoking should be prohibited. The business income exposure can be high as operations are seasonal and some equipment may be difficult to repair or replace quickly.

Crop exposures are high because unprotected plants grown in the open are susceptible to damage by animals, bacteria, drought, flooding, frost, fungi, hail, insects, lightning, snow, viruses, weeds, wildfire, wind, and winterkill.

While some of these can be mitigated by proper farming practices or chemical applications, others are considered fortuitous acts that can be covered by either crop/hail or multi-peril insurance.

Crime exposures are minimal. Most equipment and inventory are large, heavy, or difficult to remove undetected. Cash exposures are usually small unless there are retail operations. Employee dishonesty exposures are minor in family-owned and run operations. Pre-employment background checks should be done on all outside employees having access to cash, checks, safes, and equipment.

Inland marine exposures include accounts receivable if customers are billed, computers, goods in transit, mobile equipment, and valuable papers and records for seed source information, records needed to substantiate FDA requirements, and product information that may be needed in case of a recall.

Farm equipment stored in buildings can be damaged by fire, explosion, or collapse.

Items stored in the open can be damaged by hail or winds. Goods in transit to offsite storage facilities or to customers can be damaged by overturn or collision, which may result in a total loss due to the possibility of food contamination.

Business auto exposures are moderate. Produce transport vehicles are heavy and awkward, especially on narrow rural roads. All drivers must have appropriate licenses and acceptable MVRs. Vehicles must be well maintained with documentation kept.

What Does Orchard And Grove Farm Insurance Cover & Pay For?

Orchards and groves can face a variety of lawsuits related to their operations, from issues involving employees to environmental damage. Below are some examples of potential lawsuits and how insurance can help protect them:

1. Personal Injury Claims: This is perhaps one of the most common types of lawsuits faced by many businesses, including orchards and groves. For example, if a customer visits an orchard for a fruit-picking event and slips on wet ground, sustaining injuries, they could sue the orchard for damages. A general liability insurance policy could protect the orchard in this scenario. It would cover the legal costs of defending against the lawsuit, as well as any settlements or judgments, up to the policy limits.

2. Worker's Compensation Claims: Workers can sue their employers for injuries sustained while on the job. For instance, if an employee of a grove falls from a ladder while picking fruit and breaks their leg, they could sue for compensation. Worker's compensation insurance is designed to protect businesses in these situations. It would cover medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, and a portion of the injured worker's lost wages. In most cases, accepting workers' compensation benefits is a trade-off where the worker agrees not to sue the employer.

3. Product Liability Claims: If an orchard or grove sells a product directly to consumers, such as packaged fruit, and a customer becomes ill from consuming that product, the customer could sue the business for damages. Product liability insurance would protect the business in this case. It would cover the costs of a lawsuit, including defense costs and any settlements or judgments, up to the policy limits.

4. Environmental Damage Claims: Orchards and groves, like other agricultural businesses, could potentially be sued for causing environmental damage. For example, if pesticides used by a grove leach into local groundwater and contaminate a community's drinking water, affected residents could sue the grove. An environmental or pollution liability insurance policy could help cover the costs of such a lawsuit. This would include legal defense costs, cleanup costs, and any damages awarded in a lawsuit.

5. Property Damage Claims: Suppose a storm causes a tree in an orchard to fall onto a neighboring property, causing damage. The neighbor could sue the orchard for the cost of repairs. Property insurance could cover these costs, helping to pay for legal defense and any damages awarded.

It's essential to remember that insurance policies have limits, and they don't cover all situations or risks. Businesses should work with experienced insurance professionals to ensure they have adequate coverage for their specific needs and risks.

Orchard And Grove Insurance - The Bottom Line

To learn more about the specific types of orchard and grove insurance policies you'll need, how much coverage you should carry, and the premiums - consult with a reputable broker that is experienced in commercial insurance.

Additional Resources For Agribusiness Insurance

Learn about small business agribusiness insurance - a type of commercial insurance protects farmers against loss of, or damage to crops or livestock.

• Insurance Farming Terms Glossary
• Aquaculture Fish Farm
• Beekeepers
• Commercial Fishermen
• Crop
• Dairy Farm
• Equine & Horse Farm
• Farm And Ranch
• Farm Equipment Dealers
• Farm Labor Contractors
• Livestock & Cattle
• Mushroom Farms
• Nursery And Greenhouse
• Nut Farm
• Orchards & Groves
• Poultry Farm
• Sheep & Goat Farm
• Swine, Hog & Pig Farm
• Tobacco Farm
• Specialty Farm Risks

The agribusiness industry is a vital sector of the global economy, providing food, fiber, and other essential products to people around the world. However, it is also a complex and risky industry, with many potential sources of loss and damage. This is why the agribusiness industry needs commercial insurance.

One major risk in the agribusiness industry is natural disasters, such as floods, droughts, and hurricanes. These events can devastate crops and livestock, leading to significant financial losses for farmers and other agribusiness owners. Business insurance can help protect against these losses, providing a financial cushion to help businesses recover and continue operating.

Another risk in the agribusiness industry is the potential for accidents or injuries on the farm. Farming can be a dangerous occupation, and accidents can occur while working with heavy machinery or handling animals. Insurance can help cover the costs of medical treatment, lost wages, and other expenses related to these accidents.

In addition to these risks, the agribusiness industry is subject to various legal and regulatory requirements, such as food safety standards and environmental regulations. Noncompliance with these requirements can result in costly fines and legal action. Insurance can help cover the costs of legal fees and settlements, protecting businesses from financial ruin.

Overall, the agribusiness industry needs insurance to protect against the various risks and challenges it faces. Without commercial insurance, businesses in this industry would be vulnerable to financial losses that could threaten their survival. By investing in insurance, agribusiness owners can safeguard their businesses and ensure their continued success.

Minimum recommended small business insurance coverage: Buildings, Business Personal Property, Crop Insurance, Employee Dishonesty, Accounts Receivable, Computers, Goods in Transit, Mobile Equipment, Valuable Papers and Records, General Liability, Environmental Impairment, Umbrella, Business Automobile Liability and Physical Damage, Hired and Non-owned Auto & Workers Compensation.

Other commercial insurance policies to consider: Business Income and Extra Expense, Earthquake, Equipment Breakdown, Farm Owners, Flood, Computer Fraud, Employee Dishonesty, Forgery, Money and Securities, Cyber Liability, Employee Benefits, Employment-related Practices Liability, Product Recall, Underground Storage Tank, Stop Gap Liability and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) (Drones).