Bill > HM2

This Memorial requests that several New Mexico state agencies, including the Department of Agriculture, Economic Development Department, Tourism Department, and the Office of Superintendent of Insurance, investigate ways to make insurance coverage more accessible and affordable for agritourism businesses. Agritourism, which involves farms and ranches offering activities like "u-pick" harvesting, petting zoos, and corn mazes to the public, is seen as a growing sector that strengthens the agricultural industry and connects consumers with producers. Currently, these businesses often face high insurance costs because they are required to obtain expensive coverage typically meant for amusement parks or fairs. The Memorial asks these agencies to inventory agritourism businesses, estimate their economic value, research what other states have done to provide limited liability and affordable insurance for these activities, and then report their findings and recommendations to the legislature by September 30, 2022.