Public-domain · open source
OpenJurist

R.I. Gen. Laws § 2-23-4

“Agricultural operations” defined

Known as the The Rhode Island Right to Farm Act

The act spans §§ 2–2 (7 sections).

P.L. 1982, ch. 10, § 1; P.L. 1993, ch. 151, § 1; P.L. 2004, ch. 53, § 1; P.L. 2004, ch. 178, § 1; P.L. 2007, ch. 321, § 1; P.L. 2007, ch. 408, § 1; P.L. 2014, ch. 360, § 1; P.L.…

(a) As used in this chapter, “agricultural operations” includes any commercial enterprise that has as its primary purpose horticulture, viticulture, viniculture, floriculture, forestry, stabling of horses, dairy farming, or aquaculture, or the raising of livestock, including for the production of fiber, furbearing animals, poultry, or bees, and all such other operations, uses, and activities as the director, in consultation with the chief of division of agriculture, may determine to be agriculture, or an agricultural activity, use or operation. The mixed-use of farms and farmlands for other forms of enterprise including, but not limited to, the display of antique vehicles and equipment, retail sales, tours, classes, petting, feeding and viewing of animals, hay rides, crop mazes, festivals and other special events are hereby recognized as a valuable and viable means of contributing to the preservation of agriculture.

(b) Nothing herein shall be deemed to restrict, limit, or prohibit nonagricultural operations from being undertaken on a farm except as otherwise restricted, regulated, limited, or prohibited by law, regulation, or ordinance or to affect the rights of persons to engage in other lawful nonagricultural enterprises on farms; provided, however, that the protections and rights established by this chapter shall not apply to such nonagricultural activities, uses or operations.

Official source: Rhode Island General Assembly. Reproduced from public-domain Rhode Island statutes; confirm against the official source for the current text. Not legal advice.