2016 Utah Code
Title 4 - Utah Agricultural Code
Chapter 18 - Conservation Commission Act
Section 102 - Purpose declaration.

Effective 5/13/2014
4-18-102. Purpose declaration.

• (1) The Legislature finds and declares that:
  • (a) the soil and water resources of this state constitute one of its basic assets; and
  • (b) the preservation of these resources requires planning and programs to ensure:
    • (i) the development and utilization of these resources; and
    • (ii) their protection from the adverse effects of wind and water erosion, sediment, and sediment related pollutants.

• (2) The Legislature finds that local production of food is essential for:
  • (a) the security of the state's food supply; and
  • (b) the self-sufficiency of the state's citizens.

• (3) The Legislature finds that sustainable agriculture is critical to:
  • (a) the success of rural communities;
  • (b) the historical culture of the state;
  • (c) maintaining healthy farmland;
  • (d) maintaining high water quality;
  • (e) maintaining abundant wildlife;
  • (f) high-quality recreation for citizens of the state; and
  • (g) helping to stabilize the state economy.

• (4) The Legislature finds that livestock grazing on public lands is important for the proper management, maintenance, and health of public lands in the state.

• (5) The Legislature encourages each agricultural producer in the state to operate in a reasonable and responsible manner to maintain the integrity of land, soil, water, and air.

• (6) To encourage each agricultural producer in this state to operate in a reasonable and responsible manner to maintain the integrity of the state's resources, the state shall administer the Utah Agriculture Certificate of Environmental Stewardship Program, created in Section 4-18-107.

Amended by Chapter 383, 2014 General Session