Free farm insurance cover for the "Year of Food and Farming"
Author: Amy Duckworth, 03 March 2008.
Leading business insurance broker Alan Boswell Group has announced it is supporting the Year of Food and Farming by extending farm insurance cover for free.The Year of Food and Farming which runs until July 2008 is a campaign to raise awareness of UK farming and food production and to engage with the general public.
Farm insurance specialist Ian Payter explained why the broker is getting involved:
"We wanted to support this valuable initiative and make it as easy as possible for farmers to participate. That's why we've arranged to extend the liability section of our clients'
farm insurance cover at no charge."
Payter's team secured the backing of the various insurers who underwrite the Group's
farm insurance scheme.
"Companies like Norwich Union have been very supportive. By saving farmers the cost and hassle of purchasing extended
farm insurance cover we hope to encourage them to participate in Year of Food and Farming events."
The insurance broker does still need notification of any relevant events being held on farmers premises, including
"Open Farm Sunday" on 1st June 2008. And the Alan Boswell
farm insurance team has some useful tips and advice for farmers planning events:
- Make sure that visitors do not have access to any dangerous areas such as chemical stores, slurry lagoons, silage pits and any areas containing working machinery. You should pay particular attention to children gaining access to dangerous areas. Remember that you are responsible for their safety and that children are naturally curious.
- Make sure that areas where the public do have access are clean and tidy and are free from the build up of faeces. You should ensure that everything possible is done to prevent trips and falls.
- You should ensure that wherever children are allowed to pet animals, adequate washing facilities are available nearby. Such washing facilities should include liquid soap and paper towels. Signs should be in place warning of the danger of not using these facilities.
- Signs should be erected to inform visitors of any dangers. You should note that a sign does not discharge any responsibility you have to protect members of the public from danger - adequate supervision is still required.
- You should make sure that those hosting an event are trained and qualified on matters of Health and Safety and on what visitors should or should not do.
- If farming activities are taking place on the premises whilst open to the public, make sure they are adequately separated from the area where visitors have access.
- You should ensure that sufficient toilet and washing facilities are available for the number of visitors to your premises.
- Inform your insurance broker of the planned event.
Alan Boswell Insurance Brokers Limited, Alan Boswell Insurance Services Limited and Alan Boswell & Company Limited are authorised and regulated by the
Financial Services Authority.
