R.I. Gen. Laws § 2-23.1-1: Findings.

The general assembly finds and declares:

(a) That the preservation and expansion of agriculture are goals of the state;

(b) That among economic activities, agriculture is uniquely dependent on the land;

(c) That land use and water usage regulation and land taxation can have significant impacts on the viability of agricultural operations;

(d) That the understanding of such impacts is often not widespread or readily included in decision making; and

(e) That farmers, who have an appreciation of such impacts, may not know in a timely manner that actions are being considered at the local level that could have a direct and significant impact on agricultural operations.