The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) has announced more than $575,000 in funding to support local food and agriculture initiatives. The announcement was made at Farm Fresh Rhode Island (FFRI) in Providence during the kickoff of RI Grown Week, an event that highlights local farms, food producers, and markets.
Governor Dan McKee emphasized the importance of investing in local agriculture. “Investing in local agriculture benefits all Rhode Islanders by supporting access to healthy food while strengthening our state’s food security and economy,” said Governor McKee. “RI Grown Week, celebrates our continued support for the local farmers, fishers, and producers who provide our state with RI Grown produce and products.”
DEM Chief of Agriculture Ken Ayars detailed over $125,000 awarded through the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP). These grants aim to help Rhode Island farmers expand market access for specialty crops such as fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, and nursery crops. This year’s SCBGP recipients include:
– University of Rhode Island (URI), which will receive $52,934 to organize annual winter cut flower grower meetings and webinars in 2026 and 2027. URI will also launch a website with resources for growers.
– Farm Fresh Rhode Island (FFRI), which will get $38,903 to expand food literacy programs in schools through hands-on education and taste tests featuring specialty crops.
– Revive the Roots in Smithfield will be granted $33,437 to train growers on grafting techniques, pest management, orchard care, harvesting practices; they will also conduct community engagement activities.
In addition to these grants, DEM announced $450,000 available through the Local Agriculture and Seafood Act (LASA) grant round. This funding prioritizes second-generation farmers and succession planning for both agriculture and aquaculture sectors. Applications are due by December 5th. A technical assistance webinar hosted by the Rhode Island Food Policy Council is scheduled for October 20.
During RI Grown Week’s opening events, local farmers met with agricultural professionals for workshops covering topics such as produce safety standards, land planning strategies, grant application processes, marketing approaches—and included breakout sessions tailored for various sectors including animal agriculture and floriculture.
Farms interested in participating in RI Grown Week can still sign up to showcase their products or connect with customers using a free participation form provided by DEM.
For updates on programs or events from DEM—including information about locally sourced foods—residents are encouraged to visit www.dem.ri.gov or follow DEM on social media platforms like Facebook or Instagram.
