Amends the definition of farm and agricultural land to include land on which agricultural operations are being conducted or is suitable for agriculture operations, and further expand the definition of a farmer.

Plain-English Summary

This bill proposes changes to how Rhode Island legally defines "farm," "agricultural land," and "farmer." Under current law, these definitions may be narrower or more restrictive in how they describe qualifying land and people involved in farming. This bill would update those definitions to include land where agricultural activities are actively taking place, as well as land that is *suitable* for agricultural use — even if it isn't currently being farmed.

The bill also broadens who qualifies as a "farmer" under state law. By expanding this definition, more people involved in agricultural work could potentially be recognized as farmers in the eyes of Rhode Island law. This matters because legal definitions often determine who qualifies for certain protections, programs, tax benefits, or regulatory considerations related to farming and agricultural land.

This bill would primarily affect landowners, farmers, and people involved in agricultural operations across Rhode Island. It could make it easier for more individuals and properties to qualify for farm-related benefits, protections, or designations under state programs managed by the Department of Environmental Management. It may also affect how land is classified for planning or conservation purposes.

The bill was introduced in the Rhode Island Senate and referred to the Senate Environment and Agriculture Committee. A hearing was scheduled for April 2026, though a meeting was postponed at one point. No final vote has been taken yet.