December Focus: Strengthening Agritourism Through Risk Reduction

Angie Day • March 8, 2026

At NAFDMA, safety isn’t a seasonal checkbox — it’s a year-round commitment.


But this December, we’re turning the spotlight squarely on Risk Reduction, reinforcing our ongoing work to help agritourism operators protect their farms, their guests, and their future.


As many of you know, NAFDMA continues to move forward with a long-term focus on risk reduction through education, awareness, and practical, farm-ready tools. From workshops and expert guidance to peer-to-peer learning and legal insight, our goal is simple: to help operators feel more confident, prepared, and supported when it comes to managing risk.


December is our opportunity to elevate that conversation — and we invite the entire agritourism community to engage with it.


Why Risk Reduction Matters — Now More Than Ever

Welcoming guests onto your farm is both a privilege and a responsibility. As agritourism continues to grow, so does the need for clear safety practices, proactive planning, and a deeper understanding of liability and risk exposure.


Risk reduction isn’t about fear — it’s about prevention over panic, clarity over confusion, and confidence over uncertainty. When farms take steps to reduce risk, they don’t just protect themselves legally — they create safer, more welcoming experiences for every guest who walks through their gates.


That’s why this month’s focus isn’t theoretical. It’s practical, farm-ready, and designed to meet you where you are.


Your Questions. Expert Context. Real-World Answers.

One of the key initiatives we’re exploring this December is creating space for your real, everyday risk-reduction questions.

Throughout the month, NAFDMA will be inviting members to submit legal and risk-related questions — the kind you’ve probably asked yourself or discussed behind the scenes:

  • “Is this signage enough?”
  • “How do I handle public vs. non-public areas?”
  • “What happens if…?”


Our plan is to collect, curate, and group these questions, then work with trusted legal experts to provide helpful context and insight. Those responses will be shared in the future as a practical, community-driven resource grounded in real farm scenarios.


This approach allows us to:

  • Address common concerns many farms share
  • Reduce confusion around risk and liability
  • Provide clarity without judgment
  • Learn together as an industry


Your questions help shape the conversation — and ultimately help fellow operators navigate similar challenges.  Send your questions to suzi@nafdma.com.


Free Risk Reduction Gifts — Built for Real Farms

Education is powerful, but tools you can use right away are even better.


As part of Risk Reduction Month, NAFDMA has created two free, downloadable resources designed to help farms take immediate, meaningful action — and we’re just getting started.  Additional free Risk Reduction gifts will be rolling out throughout December, so be sure to keep an eye on your inbox and NAFDMA channels.


Farm Risk Reduction Gifts So Far:

First Aid Kit Checklist

Public Access Basic Question List


Moving Forward — Together

Risk reduction isn’t about doing everything perfectly. It’s about staying proactive, asking good questions, and using the resources available to you.


This December, we invite you to:

  • Engage with Risk Reduction Month
  • Submit your questions
  • Download and use the free tools
  • Start conversations with your team
  • Take one step — then another — toward a safer operation


Stay proactive.
Stay protected.
Stay welcoming.


We’re grateful to walk this path with you — and we look forward to continuing the conversation in the months ahead.

RECENT ARTICLES

Telling a Story That Blooms Beyond the Field

By angie • April 3, 2026
An Interview with Vanessa of Tulip Valley Farms

More Than a Discount: How NAFDMA’s Partners Help You Build a Better Farm

By Angie Day • March 26, 2026
Every agritourism operation relies on partners. From the tools you use to run your business, to the products you sell, to the experiences you create for your guests—behind every decision is a vendor, a supplier, or a service provider. But finding the right partners? That’s not always easy. That’s why NAFDMA has built something incredibly valuable for its members: a curated network of trusted partners —paired with exclusive savings. A Network You Can Trust Not all vendors understand agritourism. And that matters. NAFDMA partners are not random listings—they’re businesses that have chosen to invest in this industry and support farms like yours. Many are already working with agritourism operations, which means they understand: Seasonal demands and peak traffic Guest experience expectations Operational challenges unique to farms The importance of safety, durability, and efficiency Instead of starting from zero, you’re starting with vendors who already understand your world. Savings That Go Beyond the Surface Yes—there are discounts. But this benefit is about more than just a lower price. Through NAFDMA’s partner network and savings programs, members can access reduced pricing on a wide range of business needs—and even personal expenses. It can include things like: Business supplies and equipment Marketing tools and services Travel and lodging Fuel and everyday operational costs In fact, collective buying programs connected to NAFDMA have helped members save significantly on everyday purchases—sometimes averaging notable cost reductions across multiple vendors. It’s not just a perk—it’s a strategy for running a more efficient business. Better Decisions, Less Guesswork Choosing a vendor can feel like trial and error. Will they deliver on time? Will their product hold up? Will it actually work for your farm? With NAFDMA partners, you’re not making those decisions alone. You’re backed by: A network of members who have worked with these vendors Industry familiarity that reduces miscommunication Proven solutions already being used on farms It turns vendor selection from a gamble into a more confident, informed decision. Built-In Opportunities You Might Not Expect Some of the biggest value comes from opportunities for which you might not even be looking. Through NAFDMA partnerships, members can access things like: Special deals tied to industry markets and events Cost-saving opportunities when attending wholesale shows Connections to new product lines that increase retail revenue For example, NAFDMA has coordinated benefits like reduced travel costs and perks at wholesale markets—helping farms discover new products while lowering the cost of attending. It’s not just about saving money—it’s about unlocking new revenue opportunities. A Smarter Way to Grow At the end of the day, every dollar you save—and every smart partnership you make—has an impact on your farm. NAFDMA’s partner network helps you: Spend more strategically Find vendors faster Reduce risk in your decisions Discover new ideas and products Because growth isn’t just about what you add. It’s about how wisely you choose what supports your business. Ready to connect with partners who understand your farm—and help you run it more efficiently? Explore NAFDMA membership and start taking advantage of exclusive partner benefits . Visit NAFDMA.com to learn more.

Keep Customers Coming Back with Flavor, Variety, and Innovation

By angie • March 21, 2026
At Gardner Pie , we know that great pie programs start with the classics—but real growth comes from keeping things fresh, exciting, and impossible to resist. A strong daily lineup should always include customer favorites like Apple, Cherry, Blueberry, Peach, and Strawberry Rhubarb. These tried-and-true flavors build consistency and trust with your customers. As the seasons change, so should your offerings. Adding fall favorites like Pumpkin, Pecan, and Sweet Potato creates timely excitement and taps into seasonal cravings that drive sales. But if you really want to boost repeat visits and increase impulse purchases, consider introducing a Pie of the Week or Month . This strategy gives your customers a reason to return again and again—eager to see what’s new. At Gardner Pie, we’re known for our commitment to Quality, Variety, and Innovation , and our unique flavor combinations help set retailers apart. Specialty options like: Churro Apple Dark Chocolate Cherry Blueberry Lemon Buckle Pineapple Upside Down Very Berry …add a sense of discovery to your display and turn everyday shoppers into loyal fans. Rotating these specialty pies keeps your bakery case dynamic and engaging—encouraging customers to try something new each visit. Built on Tradition, Crafted for Today Gardner Pie is a third-generation, family-owned company dedicated to producing high-quality fruit pies with a true homemade feel. We use only whole fruit and fresh apples, combined with tapioca starch, sugar, and carefully selected spices. Our signature crust is made in small batches to ensure the perfect flaky texture and rich, homemade flavor. From classic lattice to unique top crust designs, every pie is crafted to look just as good as it tastes. Ready to Refresh Your Pie Program? Bring more variety, excitement, and repeat traffic to your store with Gardner Pie. Visit: www.gardnerpie.com to learn more.