NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J. — An increasing number of customers are bringing animals with them when they visit farm markets, pick your own farms or “agritainment” activities. Animals can pose a food safety risk to produce, introduce disease to farm animals, frighten or upset farm animals. Outside animals can pose a risk to employees and other visitors.
Farms need to consider compliance with regulations and buyer requirements specific to food safety and biosecurity to protect their farm animals.
The Americans with Disabilities Act governs what you are legally allowed to do in regards to service animals on your farm. This post will cover the specifics of the ADA regulations, identify animals that are not covered by the ADA regulations, provide sample policies for farms to follow regarding customer animals on the retail farm and how to reduce risk on your farm from outside animals.
Farm posters and consumer handouts will be made available statewide to assist you in communicating with customers about animals on your farm.
Contact Wes Kline or Meredith Melendez for details. Farm Bureau will be assisting with the distribution of these materials at County Board of Agriculture meetings.
— Rutgers Cooperative Extension