Specialty farms insurance

For more on this part of the insurance industry: 

1. visit our Farm Insurance page for a look at all products in this sector 
2. or focus in on all of the specialty farms insurance products available on IB Markets! 

What is specialty farms insurance? 

Specialty farms insurance is a tailored form of coverage designed to secure small-scale, niche, and high-value agricultural businesses. These enterprises focus on unique crops, rare livestock, or specialised farming techniques. 

Examples of covered incidents 

• bad weather can ruin crops and lead to big losses 
• rare livestock breeds can die from disease 
• special farming equipment in cities can get damaged 
• visitors to farm attractions can get hurt and make claims 
• organic food can become unsafe and need to be recalled 

Unlike conventional large-scale farming, specialty farms often require customised insurance solutions.  This is due to their distinct risks, premium products, and specialised equipment. 

Also, growing demand for organic and sustainable goods makes insurance essential to protect these farms. 

The importance of specialty farms insurance in the UK 

When vineyards suffer frost damage, grape production is severely wiped out. Uninsured growers will have a hard time continuing operations and recovering from financial loss. 

Those with specialty farms insurance will be able to recoup through crop protection policies. This insurance makes sure that farms have long-term sustainability. 

Specialty farms insurance: industry trends and emerging risks 

The UK’s specialty farming sector is growing. More farms are entering niche markets. The cut-flower industry and salmon farming are expanding alongside agritourism.  

These changes create new specialty farms insurance needs which cover both farming and visitor-related hazards. Other emerging threats include: 

• rare breed disease risk: outbreaks can threaten small livestock populations and increase insurance costs 
• vineyard weather challenges: unstable weather affects grape quality which requires specialised crop insurance 
• organic supply chain issues: reliance on certified suppliers can cause delays and farming disruptions 

Brokers should help farms manage other dangers as well. Pesticides can harm bee colonies which can cause honey losses. Stricter safety rules for artisanal cheese may also raise costs. 

Specialty farms insurance FAQs 

Who needs specialty farms insurance coverage? 

Those who should consider this coverage include:  

• organic farmers 
• rare breed livestock farmers 
• vineyard owners 
• urban farmers 
• specialist dairy producers 
• truffle growers 
• herb and lavender farmers 
• game and venison farmers 
• hemp and CBD producers 

From theft to climate change, these businesses are too distinct to operate without proper specialty farms insurance. 

What are common specialty farms insurance coverage options? 

From game and venison farms to truffle farms, these unique farms may require specific insurance coverages. Common ones include: 

• property damage 
• livestock insurance 
• crop insurance 
• liability insurance 
• business interruption 

Are there insurance add-ons for organic and rare breed farms? 

Yes, specialty farms such as organic and rare breed operations can benefit from additional coverage options: 

• environmental liability: covers cleanup and legal costs from pollution incidents affecting soil, water, or air 
• produce coverage: safeguards organic goods from spoilage, contamination, or recalls 
• rare livestock coverage: provides financial protection for valuable or heritage breeds in case of certain incidents 
• diversification coverage: insures more farm activities, such as farm shops and workshops 

Working with an experienced specialty farms insurance broker enables farm owners to choose the right policies for their unique hazards. 

Do specialty farmers need public liability insurance? 

Public liability (PL) insurance protects specialty farmers if someone is injured or property is damaged. It covers legal fees and compensation claims to reduce financial risks. 

Why is PL insurance important for agritourism farms? 

Agritourism farms welcome visitors which increases the risk of accidents and injury claims. PL insurance covers legal costs and damages if someone gets hurt. 

Do specialty farmers have insurance for livestock? 

Specialty farmers can get livestock insurance to financially shield their animals from disease, theft, and accidents. This helps them avoid economic setbacks and keep their farm running. 

What types of livestock are covered under specialty farms insurance? 

Specialty farms often raise rare or high-value animals. Insurance can cover: 

• rare breed livestock: highland cattle, Tamworth pigs, and rare poultry breeds 
• game animals: red deer, fallow deer, and pheasants 
• specialty dairy livestock: goats and sheep used for artisanal cheese 

Farmers can personalise specialty farms insurance policies to cover the specific risks of their livestock. 

What are the specialty crops in the UK? 

The UK cultivates a variety of specialty crops that cater to niche markets and culinary preferences. Notable examples include: 

• heirloom tomatoes 
• legumes 
• Yorkshire forced rhubarb 

How does crop insurance differ for these crops? 

Insuring specialty crops requires tailored policies due to their unique characteristics and market values. Considerations include: 

• valuation 
• perishability 
• cultivation methods 
• market demand 

Specialty farms insurance is available to these exceptional crops.