R.I. Gen. Laws § 7-7-8: Qualifications of members.

Only persons, or associations of persons, engaged in the production of the agricultural products as the association is authorized to handle, including lessees and landlords receiving these products as rent, shall be eligible to membership therein, subject to the terms and conditions prescribed in its articles of incorporation or bylaws consistent herewith. Following the ascertainment through procedure set forth in its bylaws that a member has ceased to be eligible to membership in an association, his or her rights therein may be suspended.