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The Rural Voice, 2002-05, Page 10Trader & Combine Parts New, Used and Remanufactured Phone 1-800-372-7149 Fax 1-800-372-7150 . Standard 8 Reground Crankshafts Remanufactured Cylinder Heads . Engine Overhaul Kits . Used Engines- Huge Inventory www.fawcett.cc e-mail sales@fawcett.cc FAWCETT st, Mays Tractor Supply Ltd. Ontario DAVID E. GREIN LOGGING Buyer of Standing ,& Felled Hardwood Timber & Bush Lots • Competitive Pricing • Quality Workmanship • Over 20 Years Experience R.R.#1 Neustadt (519) 799-5997 Diamond Hay Feeders • 1 1/4" sq. tubing • 8 ft. diameter • 54" high • 20" x 3/16" plastic skirt powder coated green • Diamond Bar Gates • Tombstone Feeders • Bunk Feeders • Slant Bar Feeders • Crowding Tubs W Port elding Ltd R.R. #3 Flesherton • 519-924-0578 6 THE RURAL VOICE Robert Mercer Farmers' Markets and product liabilitg Robert Mercer was editor of the Broadwater Market Letter and commentator for 25 years. I was at a Farm Management Workshop last month and found that two talks, on two very different topics, had a common reminder: check your insurance if you are doing any sort of farmgate selling, either at the gate or in a farmers' market. We have just had a case of a micro cheese maker with product that has been linked with possible health problems of more than a dozen people. Claims in this instance may well be substantial. In the case of one of the seminar speakers, his apple farm became a "destination" farm for school tours, bus loads of tourists and car loads of urbanites. Here good, broad liability insurance was essential. The farm was indeed different and sold apples, but more importantly it sold friendship, a congenial atmosphere, knowledge and a unique package of entertainment, product selection and location. When the speaker on insurance tackled the problem of farm insurance with all the expected discussion about fire, home, life and director's policies, it was the liability insurance that kept the question period going well beyond the allotted time. A lot of the questions were around the difficulties of obtaining exact insurance and the levels to place for liability when operating host farms and selling "home" made product. Don Hatton, who has had many years experience in farm insurance started off telling the group that general farm liability does not cover such activities as petting zoos, retail operations, a barn dance or even snow removal from your neighbour's driveway. He said always tell your agent about any changes you make in your business activities. The added insurance security may come at no cost or at little cost. From there on he said it is all negotiable. He went on to explain that in the case of a school tour or a visit of Old Age Pensioner or a Service Club type of activity, a no cost approach is to get your place of business named on the insurance policy of the visiting group or organization, thus transferring the risk. You ask for a Certificate of Insurance which any school board should be able to issue without a hassle. His most interesting remarks for the group dealt with farmers' markets, a form of marketing that is increasing in popularity in B.C. with farmers and consumers. He said that these markets carry their own limited liability insurance but seldom coverage for vendors — especially no coverage for any form of product liability. Check with your retail outlet or farmers' market before discussing the insurance you need with your agent. If you sell product at the farm or a local market, and that product might cause illness for any reason — growing, processing, packaging or selling, he said to make certain that you are covered with your own policy. Also make sure that your product meets all the inspection standards set by local and provincial agencies. Don Hatton did note that you can buy a policy for just about anything but like most things the more difficult the more expensive.0 PACKERS: WE BUILD RUBBER TIRE PACKER SPECIALISTS Also large told -up steel drum packers, lawn & estate rollers, custom manufactured HAROLD JONES ENTERPRISES RR #2, Arthur, Ont. (519) 848-2799