2024 -- S 2537

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LC005244

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2024

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A N   A C T

RELATING TO AGRICULTURE AND FORESTRY -- ORGANIC FARMING AND

CERTIFICATION PROGRAM

     

     Introduced By: Senators Paolino, de la Cruz, Rogers, and DeLuca

     Date Introduced: March 01, 2024

     Referred To: Senate Environment & Agriculture

     It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

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     SECTION 1. Title 2 of the General Laws entitled "AGRICULTURE AND FORESTRY"

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is hereby amended by adding thereto the following chapter:

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CHAPTER 28

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ORGANIC FARMING AND CERTIFICATION PROGRAM

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     2-28-1. Short title.

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     This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the "Organic Farming and Certification

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Program."

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     2-28-2. Organic farming and certification program.

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     (a) The department of environmental management shall establish an organic farming and

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certification program and shall establish rules and regulations for this purpose. The organic farming

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and certification program shall:

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     (1) Assist in the marketing of Rhode Island grown organic agricultural products for the

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purpose of sale and promotion within the State of Rhode Island or United States;

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     (2) Enhance the economic competitiveness of Rhode Island grown organic agricultural

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products;

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     (3) Provide financial and technical assistance support to organic farmers for the activities

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and programs which enhance the economic viability of local organic agriculture, and support the

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development of a locally based, safe and sustainable organic food system;

 

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     (4) Provide individual farm grants to small or beginning Rhode Island organic farmers that

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support the entry or sustainability within the industry;

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     (5) Work with the state department of health for the certification of organic farmers and

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organizations and to further develop and support food safety related programs and standards

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pertaining to local organic agriculture;

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     (6) Ensure that any funding received from the federal Specialty Crop Block Grant is

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allocated to this program; and

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     (7) Perform other activities necessary to facilitate the success and viability of the state’s

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organic agricultural sector.

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     2-28-3. Program funding.

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     There shall hereby be annually appropriated, out of money in the treasury not otherwise

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appropriated, the sum of two hundred fifty thousand dollars ($250,000) for the purposes of

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administering the provisions of this chapter.

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     2-28-4. Program staffing -- Full-time employee.

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     In carrying out the provisions of this chapter, the department of environmental management

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shall designate one full-time employee who shall be assigned exclusively to the organic farming

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and certification program.

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     SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.

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EXPLANATION

BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

OF

A N   A C T

RELATING TO AGRICULTURE AND FORESTRY -- ORGANIC FARMING AND

CERTIFICATION PROGRAM

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     This act would establish the organic farming and certification program to be administered

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by the department of environmental management.

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     This act would take effect upon passage.

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