Product Liability Insurance Use Among Tennessee Fruit and Vegetable Farmers

Product liability insurance can help farmers manage product liability risk and gain access to additional market outlets. Data from a survey of Tennessee fruit and vegetable producers were used to evaluate differences between product liability insurance users and non-users, barriers associated with the use of this type of insurance, along with insurance coverage amounts and costs. Findings suggest that primary occupation, percentage of income from farming, size of fruit and vegetable operation, and market outlets used may influence the decision to purchase product liability insurance. Barriers to use include perceived costs of product liability insurance and limited understanding of liability insurance policies.