§ 106‑26.3.  Declaration of policy supporting sound science in agriculture.

The General Assembly hereby finds and declares that it shall be the policy of this State to support and promote sound science in agriculture. For purposes of this section, "sound science in agriculture" means the use of science‑based agricultural practices, technologies, or biological systems supported by research or otherwise demonstrated to lead to broad outcomes‑based improvements, including such critical outcomes as increasing agricultural productivity and improving human health through access to safe, nutritious, affordable food and other agricultural products, including organically produced foods and products, while enhancing agricultural and surrounding environmental conditions through the stewardship of water, soil, air quality, biodiversity, and wildlife habitat. Further, the General Assembly finds and declares that it is in the interest of the people of this State to use sound science in agriculture to meet the needs of the present and to improve the ability of future generations to meet their own needs, while advancing progress toward environmental and economic goals and the well‑being of agricultural producers and rural communities. (2015‑263, s. 3.)