§ 2-25-2. Legislative findings.
The general assembly hereby finds and declares:
(1) A viable agricultural and seafood sector in Rhode Island represents part of a secure
regional food supply, which in turn lends itself to energy and economic efficiencies;
(2) The federal government and regional entities have established and continue to establish
programs and processes to support local agricultural production and increased consumption
of locally produced food, and Rhode Island functions in whole or in part in the context
of federal and regional programs;
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§ 2-25-2. Legislative findings.
The general assembly hereby finds and declares:
(1) A viable agricultural and seafood sector in Rhode Island represents part of a secure
regional food supply, which in turn lends itself to energy and economic efficiencies;
(2) The federal government and regional entities have established and continue to establish
programs and processes to support local agricultural production and increased consumption
of locally produced food, and Rhode Island functions in whole or in part in the context
of federal and regional programs;
(3) The general public is increasingly interested in locally produced food;
(4) The benefits of local food systems to local communities include open land, jobs, nutritious
and safe foods, and youth education opportunities;
(5) Farms and commercial fishing are an integral part of Rhode Island's overall economy;
(6) Encouraging the continued growth of Rhode Island's agricultural and seafood sectors
is integral to reducing food insecurity in Rhode Island;
(7) Relationship-based food systems such as farm-to-school programs, community supported
agriculture (CSA) programs, farmers' markets, and pick-your-own operations are increasingly
popular and offer areas of opportunity for new farmers; and
(8) The state of Rhode Island has historically established programs to provide for and
regulate the agriculture and commercial fishing sectors.