Law on the Half Shell: Applying a Right-to-Farm Framework to Virginia's Aquaculture Industry

Adapting the state’s existing RTF [Right-to-Farm] regime to include aquaculture has the potential to help Virginia navigate an array of economic and legal challenges. This Article examines the intersection of RTF law and aquaculture and discusses the role that RTF law may play in encouraging Virginia’s expanding aquaculture industry. Part I offers an overview of RTF laws and their operation in Virginia. Part II discusses aquaculture generally and Virginia’s expanding aquaculture industry.

Part III documents problems faced by aquaculture producers in Virginia under Virginia’s existing RTF law. Part IV details related challenges facing the industry. Part V concludes by detailing potential mechanisms that may protect Virginia aquaculture producers. This abstract has been adapted from the authors' introduction.