(a) The purpose of this chapter is to promote and protect the agricultural industry of the Virgin Islands, to include the protection of prime agricultural farmland necessary to promote and protect the public health, safety and welfare of the people of the Virgin Islands.
(b) Floriculture and nursery industry. It is further declared that the production, processing, manufacture and distribution of floriculture ornamental horticulture and nursery products constitute a viable industry of the territory which provides much needed revenues for the territory and employment opportunities for its residents; that research and development of the floriculture and the nursery industries, in partnership with the University of the Virgin Islands Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, by means of educating farmers with the latest technology in food production in the Virgin Islands; could contribute substantially to economic growth of the territory; and that the Department of Agriculture shall develop a marketing strategy for the territory's floricultural and nursery products, reaching new markets through education and promotion.
(c) Plants growing in native stands or planted for ornamental purposes. The Legislature hereby finds and declares that plants growing in native stands or planted for ornamental purposes contribute to the environmental and public health and welfare needs of the people of the territory and shall be considered as a part of the agricultural industry for the purposes of this chapter.