Younger farmers, particularly those with aging dairy facilities, may be investigating new uses for old barns. For those who like people, agritourism is one idea that frequently pops into mind. See "Young couple hopes to wow guests with event barn."

That means changing farm and building uses, which may have tax and liability implications.

Northeast states are coming to grips with these issues. Each state is different, though, so there’s homework to done before pursuing such a venture.

New York, for instance, recently updated its Safety in Agricultural Tourism guide. Check out "Got visitors coming; cover your liability risks."

The latest action
Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan recently signed into law a model agritourism definition to help county governments regulate agritourism activities. “Agritourism attractions have become an important source of income for many Maryland farmers,” points out Joe Bartenfelder, Maryland's secretary of agriculture. “This ensures that our family farms have the clarity they need if or when they choose to diversify their farming operations.”

In brief, it defines zoning districts and building code requirements for existing farms with agritourism activities. It also defines agritourism as an activity conducted on a farm that’s offered to the general public or invited guests for the purpose of education, recreation or active involvement in the farm operation.

That includes farm tours, hayrides, corn mazes, seasonal petting farms, farm museums, guest farms, pumpkin patches, “pick your own” or “cut your own” produce, classes related to agricultural products or skills, and picnic and party facilities offered in conjunction with any agritourism activity.

While previous Maryland law didn’t define agritourism, it exempted ag buildings used for agritourism in 11 counties from the state’s building performance standards. That’s another factor playing into costs of setting up an agritourism enterprise.