Rhode Island Right to Farm Act Under RIGL 2-23

RIGL Chapter 2-23, particularly RIGL 2-23-3 through 2-23-7, declares that agricultural operations conducted in conformity with generally accepted agricultural practices shall not be deemed a public or private nuisance. The law shields qualifying farms from nuisance suits brought by neighbors over noise, odor, dust, fumes, and other ordinary farm operations, provided the farm was established before the conflicting use and continues to operate properly. Municipalities are limited in their ability to enact ordinances that unreasonably restrict accepted farm practices. The Department of Environmental Management and the Division of Agriculture support agricultural viability through related programs and offer guidance on what constitutes accepted practice.

Right to Farm protections are an affirmative defense rather than a punitive law; municipalities or plaintiffs improperly pursuing actions against protected farms may face dismissal, attorney fees, and damages in some cases.