Rhode Island General Laws Title 42. State Affairs and Government § 42-82-1. Statement of legislative purpose

(a) The general assembly recognizes that land suitable for food production in the state has become an extremely scarce and valuable resource. The amount of good farmland has declined so dramatically that unless a comprehensive program is initiated by the state to preserve what remains it will be lost forever. It is in the best interest of the people that the state identify and acquire the development rights to the remaining land most endangered by development so as to maintain farming, productive open spaces, and ground water recharge areas.

(b) The general assembly finds that productive farmland is being converted to other uses because its development value at present far exceeds its value for agricultural purposes; that agriculture is an important part of the state's economy, environment, and quality of life; and that local food production will become increasingly important to the people of the state. It also finds that agricultural preservation will allow more orderly development and permit the cities and towns to plan for and provide services more adequately and at lower cost. Therefore, the general assembly establishes an agricultural lands preservation commission to conduct the inventory and acquisition of development rights to farmland in this state.