New Rhode Island Law Provides Tax Breaks To Support Small Or Urban Farms

PROVIDENCE, RI — A new Rhode Island law was passed to encourage and sustain small and urban farms.

The law, sponsored by state Rep. Michelle McGaw, D-Portsmouth, Tiverton and Little Compton, and state Sen. Tiara T. Mack, D-Providence, "will encourage and sustain small and urban farms in Rhode Island by allowing them tax relief similar to what is provided to larger agricultural operations in the state," according to a media release.

The legislation "exempts farms under five acres or within urban areas and their owner/operators from state sales taxes, real, tangible and personal property taxes and income taxes," the release said.

“Urban and small farms provide a multitude of benefits to our state, making fresh, healthy food available in people’s own neighborhoods, creating green spaces in places that need them and playing a key role in diversifying and strengthening our food supply chain," McGaw said in the release.

"They are models of know-how and efficiency, because they survive by maximizing productivity in limited space and usually with minimal resources," McGaw said. "They deserve the same tax benefits as other farms, particularly since they primarily serve hyperlocal needs.”

In the release Mack said Rhode Island "has some of the most expensive land in the nation to farm."

"We may not have a lot of industrial-size farms, but fortunately, there’s a growing community of very dedicated small-scale farmers who love what they do, who work hard to make it economically feasible, and who are providing healthy local food and so much more," Mack said. "Urban farmland and farmers are a critical part of our state’s food system, especially as families see grocery store prices rise."

Rhode Island is home to about 80 urban farms and about 120 farms smaller than five acres, according to the release.

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