West Virginia Code Chapter 19. Agriculture § 19-19-1. Purpose; public policy

Whereas, agricultural production of food and fiber is a basic necessity to sustain human life, and essential to the general welfare and stability of this State and the citizens thereof, and the continued conduct of the utilization of land in the conduct of agricultural production, including woodland and forestry production, is a necessity to the welfare and common good of all of the citizens of this State; and,

Whereas, the infringement upon agricultural lands and agricultural operations by other uses and occupancies which are either adverse or incompatible with the continued agricultural utilization may be of such nature as to endanger orderly agricultural production, it is hereby declared to be the public policy of this State that agricultural production and the utilization of land in agricultural productive operations be protected and preserved.