Farm Insurance | COVID-19

The impact of the Coronavirus pandemic on business has been well documented, but many sectors have seen little to no impact. With food-supplies needing to be maintained the UK farming industry has, on paper at least, been impervious to lockdown measures. We spoke with Andrew Wright, an expert in Farm insurance at AF Insurance, to take a closer look at the implications of the virus on UK farms and what, if any, changes they need to take as we emerge into our new normal.

Andrew, can you tell us what impact COVID-19 has had on the farming industry?
“During the pandemic, farming has been classed as an essential trade. So to many farmers it’s been business as usual. Although it has not been without issues. For example, uncollected milk for dairy farmers, which is something that has been happening around the country due to a fall in demand from the hospitality sector
“Similarly, with arable farming there's been delays in in the supply of inputs; fertilisers, crop protection, etc.”

“Every business will need to adhere to the new rules regarding risk assessments, cleaning, social distancing etc. Cleaning practices will need to be increased and enhanced for example. With the lockdown easing they are likely to be having more visitors coming onto site, so it is important that they ensure that they have reviewed their entire health and safety processes.”

“Yes they can still have contractors working on the farm. We obviously recommended that they adhere to the two metre guidelines wherever possible and limit any person to person contact. Create pick-up and drop-off points, ensure regular hand-washing and do everything they can to ensure machinery and equipment is not shared.
“Likewise, if they're going on to third-party land we recommended that they maintain social distancing rules and consider personal hygiene to prevent the spread of the virus.”

“Your existing H&S obligations haven’t changed, so yes, all equipment needs to be maintained and fit for purpose. Duty holders are legally responsible to ensure that these goods are inspected as they have always done. Our own Risk Management team and other inspection companies are still carrying out statutory inspections. So, if for any reason these have been delayed those pieces of equipment should not be used.”

“There has been a massive increase in the number of people using footpaths, some of which go through the actual farm yards themselves. This is going to be difficult to police – but we recommend that signage is put in place to ensure social distancing and that people are closing gates. We’d also recommend that gates are cleaned regularly.
“With regards to diversifying we'd recommend speaking to your insurance broker to ensure that the insurers are aware as to what you're doing and making sure that your liability insurance will cover you.”