COLUMBUS, Ohio – While producers welcome the fall season and visitors to their farms, all realize that the COVID-19 pandemic lurks and is forcing some unprecedented challenges for these agritourism operations.

Dee Jepsen and Lisa Pfeifer, both with the Agricultural Safety and Health Program at Ohio State University, remind producers that there are still strict protocols in place for preventing and managing COVID-19, even in the agricultural settings.

“At first glance, agritourism may seem similar to fairs and festivals, but agritourism is quite different,” Jepsen says. “Agritourism farms operate over a series of weeks, sometimes months. Many are open and operate pick-your-own activities (pumpkins) or farm markets and produce stands throughout the year. They are well staffed and have adopted effective tools to manage all types of customer situations, even engaging in emergency planning.”

“A producer’s livelihood depends on their ability to manage crowds and keep customers safe, be it a weather event or a national health crisis,” Pfeifer says. “The state of Ohio requires all business, including farms open to the public, to follow certain guidelines. For instance, even in the open air of these markets, face coverings must be worn by all guests and employees. Planning for a safe operation is not only important for public safety, it’s important for the future of a farm business.”

For starters, they say, customers and employees should not enter any facility if they are symptomatic. And if permitted to enter, frequent handwashing and use of hand sanitizers should be encouraged by signage.

“There should be access to multiple station locations,” Jepsen says, “and any workplaces should be cleaned and sanitized regularly throughout the day and at the close of business. Social distancing should be encouraged by signage. And, one should establish a maximum capacity for the operation.”

Jepsen and Pfeifer offer other guidelines for producers, whether they’re offering hayrides, in-barn festivities or pick-your-own operations. They suggest making special arrangements for large groups, such as school or club field trips, having a capacity for hayrides and field shuttle services, establishing separate designated entrance and exit areas, limiting food vendors or ways food is served, removing all self-service or sampling options, and establishing protocols about access to picnic and shelter areas.

“It’s important to limit some activities,” Jepsen says. “It’s smart to make space considerations for corn mazes, play areas and other attractions. Some attractions may be closed, especially if they cannot be done outdoors or be sanitized between guests.”

 Laura Akgerman, Disabilities Service Coordinate at Ohio State University, stresses the importance of accessibility with any agritourism operation.

 “The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires businesses, including farms open to the public, to follow ADA guidelines for accessibility,” Akgerman says.

Walkways and aisles should have no obstructions, debris or other tripping hazards, Akgerman says, adding that walking surfaces should be ideal for strollers, wheelchairs and motorized scooters.

 “Pathways should be 36 inches wide through orchards, corn mazes and other public places,” she said. “Accessible bathrooms with no steps or thresholds should be in place. Remember to provide seating areas and tables that would allow a wheelchair to move between tables.

 Finally, event materials such as programs, activity descriptions or advertising, should be in accessible format. Electronic versions of these items should be available such that they can be read with a screen reader.