( Continued from Page 9 )

“ From our viewpoint the tour program was an educational and public outreach part of our operation ,” he added . “ It was not a money-making business .”

With that decision , the general public lost access to a spectacular outdoor classroom . Founded in 1937 , the Adams Ranch is a renowned beef cattle operation . Natural resource and wildlife management strategies on the property have won multiple state and national awards .

Amy Perryman and her husband , David , were surprised by the level

of risk they assumed when they opened Coon Hollo Corn Maze on their family ’ s farm in Marion County five years ago . For example , a little boy who visited the farm with his parents last year apparently caught his pants on a nail , fell and broke an elbow . Yet his parents waited six weeks before informing the Perrymans about the incident .

“ We have had plenty of scares ,” Perryman said . “ If anybody seems to be hurt , we rush over to them and help them as quickly as we can . We are always on edge and worry that someone will lash out and blame us .”

With more than 12,000 visitors attending the maze each fall season , the possibility of a lawsuit is ever present , along with an increasing

cost for insurance . “ It seems like there should be rules in place to help us weed out the illegitimate claims from the legitimate ones ,” Perryman stated .

A solution to the problem could be forthcoming from the Florida Legislature . State Sen . Greg Evers ( R-Crestview ) and State Rep . Holly Raschein ( R-Key Largo ) have sponsored bills that limit the liability risk for owners of agritourism businesses . Under the terms of these measures , the proprietor would not be liable for injuries or death resulting from “ the inherent risks of the agritourism activity ,” as long as the operator warns visitors of those hazards in advance .

In addition , the bills specify that agritourism applies only to bona fide farms , ranches and forests . Zoos , rural festivals and other non-agricultural businesses are not included .

If the Legislature approves such protection , other farm owners will likely be encouraged to open their properties for visitors , giving more Floridians the pleasure of

touring the places that sustain our civilization .

“ I just think knowing that you have some level of protection against losing everything you have worked for your entire life will make a difference ,” Mathews explained . “ It will provide an opportunity for other farmers to do this .” •

Top left photos : Corn mazes such as Coon Hollo in Marion County have become popular destinations for non-farm guests .

Photo above : A young visitor sits at the wheel of an antique tractor .

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