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Tobacco Farm Insurance Policy Information

Tobacco Farm Insurance. Tobacco has been a cash crop for in the United States, even before the country was officially formed. In fact, it wasn't until European settlers arrived in North America that the rest of the world learned about tobacco and were taught how to use it and farm it by the Native Americans.

Since that time, tobacco has made its way around the globe and is used by people in every corner of the world. Chewing tobacco, cigarettes, cigars; if you're a tobacco farmer, you supply the primary ingredient that's needed to make these popular products.

Tobacco farms produce leaves that can be made into cigars, cigarettes, chewing tobacco, pipe tobacco, and snuff. At harvest time, the tobacco leaves are removed from the stems of the plants, cleaned, and cured in large, well-ventilated barns. Curing can be solely by air or by using controlled fires placed below the leaves.

Flavoring agents may be added during the curing process. Some farmers then arrange transport of the cured leaves to a nearby tobacco sales auction warehouse. Others are under contract with a tobacco manufacturer and transport of the leaves is based on the terms of the contract.

Tobacco farms depend on several chemical applications such as fertilizers, fungicides, herbicides, and pesticides. Pickers, tillers, tractors, and other types of farming machinery are required to support production.

While the work of a tobacco farmer is important and the crops that you provide are always in-demand, just like any other business owner, you face a variety of risks.

In order to protect your business, your employees, the people your business services, and yourself, investing in the right type of tobacco farm insurance is vital.

Why do tobacco farmers need insurance? What kind of coverage do they need? Let's take a look so that you can find out how you can properly protect your operation.

Tobacco farm insurance protects your tobacco farming operations from lawsuits with rates as low as $67/mo. Get a fast quote and your certificate of insurance now.

Below are some answers to commonly asked tobacco farming insurance questions:

• What Is Tobacco Farm Insurance?
• How Much Does Tobacco Farm Insurance Cost?
• Why Do Tobacco Farms Need Insurance?
• What Type Of Insurance Do Tobacco Farmers Need?
• What Does Tobacco Farm Insurance Cover & Pay For?

Why Do Tobacco Farms Need Insurance?

As a tobacco farmer, you face numerous risks. Your employees could sustain work-related injuries. A third-party could file a lawsuit against you, citing that you were responsible for property damages or personal injuries that they experienced. Your farm could be damaged by an act of nature. The equipment you use to operate your farm could breakdown, become lost, or be stolen.

These are just a few of the risks that tobacco farmers face, and as the owner and operator of your organization, you are liable for any issues that may arise – as well as the big price tags that may be attached to them.

If you aren't properly insured and something goes wrong, you could be looking at serious financial losses. If, however, you have the right kind of insurance coverage, if something unexpected happens, instead of having to pay the related expenses yourself, your insurance carrier would cover them for you.

In other words, tobacco farm insurance can help you avoid serious financial losses.

Additionally, tobacco farmers are required, by law, to carry certain types of insurance policies. If you fail to have the necessary coverage, you could end up facing stiff penalties, and even run the risk of having your farm shut down.

Tobacco Farmers' Risks & Exposures

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.

Premises liability exposure is normally low due to limited access by visitors. 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.

Products liability exposure is low. Tobacco products receive a federal exemption from most types of product liability claims because tobacco has been a known carcinogen since the 1960's.

If the farm sells directly to consumers, extensive warnings and labels are required on all finished goods alerting users as to the product's dangers. While some lawsuits have prevailed in lower courts, appellate courts have generally upheld the federal exemption enjoyed by tobacco farmers and manufacturers.

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, 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 tobacco farms are very labor-intensive. Work may be required for long hours and in all kinds of weather conditions. Workers may be seasonal, underage, speak another language, and/or lack adequate training and supervision.

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.

Exposure to farm chemicals and organic dust can lead to respiratory issues. Cumulative exposure to tobacco dust creates a potential for lung and respiratory diseases and injuries. Injuries can result from falls or from loading and unloading vehicles.

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

Lightning may strike buildings unprotected by rods and GFIs, dryers can overheat or become jammed, and severe winds and tornados may destroy property in certain geographical areas.

Buildings may collapse under the weight of stored tobacco. Tobacco farms are in rural areas where fire response time may be slow and a water supply to douse a fire may be undependable. The business income exposure can be high as operations are seasonal and some equipment may be difficult to repair or replace quickly.

Tobacco may be targeted by thieves due to the high resale value in the black market. Vandalism can result from trespassers and protestors.

Appropriate security controls must be taken including physical barriers to prevent entrance to the premises after hours and an alarm system that reports directly to a central station or the police department.

Crime exposures are minimal. Most equipment and inventory is 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 the customers are billed, computers, goods in transit, mobile equipment, and valuable papers and records for seed source information, records needed to substantiate FDA requirements, quality control and product information that may be needed in case of a recall.

Backup copies of all records should be made and stored off premises. Goods in transit may be damaged by fire, theft, collision and overturn, or contamination. 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.

Commercial 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 Tobacco Farm Insurance Cover & Pay For?

Tobacco farms, like many businesses, can be sued for a variety of reasons. Here are a few examples of common situations where tobacco farms might face legal action, and how insurance could potentially help protect them:

1. Product Liability: If a consumer claims that using a tobacco farm's product caused them harm, they may file a product liability lawsuit. This is one of the most common reasons tobacco farms get sued, given the well-documented health risks associated with tobacco use. In such cases, product liability insurance can help cover the cost of legal defense as well as any settlements or judgments, up to the policy's limit.

2. Workers' Compensation Claims: Employees who get injured or sick on the job may file workers' compensation claims. If a tobacco farm fails to provide the necessary benefits, the employee could sue. Workers' compensation insurance not only provides for medical expenses and a portion of lost wages for the injured worker, but it also often includes employer's liability coverage, which can help cover legal fees, court costs, and any settlements or awards related to a lawsuit.

3. Environmental Damage: Tobacco farming involves the use of various chemicals which, if improperly managed, can potentially cause environmental harm. If the farm is sued for causing environmental damage, pollution liability insurance can help cover the costs associated with the lawsuit and any clean-up required.

4. Breach of Contract: If a tobacco farm fails to uphold its end of a contract with another business—for example, by not delivering the agreed quantity of tobacco leaves—it could be sued. Commercial general liability (CGL) insurance often includes coverage for personal and advertising injury, which can help cover legal costs if the farm is sued for slander, libel, or certain types of contract disputes.

5. Property Damage: If a tobacco farm's operations cause damage to someone else's property—for example, if a fire on the farm spreads to a neighbor's land—they could be sued. Again, commercial general liability insurance can help cover the legal costs, settlements, or judgments associated with such a lawsuit.

It's important to note that the exact protections offered by any insurance policy depend on its specific terms and conditions. Therefore, tobacco farms should carefully review their insurance coverage with a knowledgeable broker or attorney to ensure they understand what is and isn't covered.

Commercial Insurance And Business Industry Classification

• SIC CODE: 0132 Tobacco
• NAICS CODE: 111910 Tobacco Farming
• Suggested ISO General Liability Code(s):
• Suggested Workers Compensation Code(s): 0037 Farm - NOC & Drivers

Description for 0132: Tobacco

Division A: Agriculture, Forestry, And Fishing | Major Group 01: Agricultural Production Crops | Industry Group 013: Field Crops, Except Cash Grains

0132 Tobacco: Establishments primarily engaged in the production of tobacco.

• Tobacco farms

Tobacco Farm Insurance - The Bottom Line

To discover exactly what kind of tobacco farm insurance coverage you'll need to fully protect your operation, speak with a reputable broker who specializes in commercial farm 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).