                                 CODE OF VIRGINIA

DECLARATION OF POLICY FINDINGS AND PURPOSE (§ 15.2-4301)

It is the policy of the Commonwealth to conserve and protect and to encourage
the development and improvement of the Commonwealth&#8217;s agricultural and
forestal lands for the production of food and other agricultural and forestal
products. It is also the policy of the Commonwealth to conserve and protect
agricultural and forestal lands as valued natural and ecological resources which
provide essential open spaces for clean air sheds, watershed protection,
wildlife habitat, as well as for aesthetic purposes. It is the purpose of this
chapter to provide a means for a mutual undertaking by landowners and localities
to protect and enhance agricultural and forestal land as a viable segment of the
Commonwealth&#8217;s economy and as an economic and environmental resource of
major importance.

HISTORY: 1977, c. 681, § 15.1-1507; 1987, c. 552; 1997, c. 587.