Governor Dan McKee, the Rhode Island General Assembly, and the Department of Environmental Management announced on Apr. 9 that twenty-five Local Agriculture and Seafood Act (LASA) grants totaling $450,000 have been awarded to support farms, fishers, and food producers across Rhode Island.
The LASA grant program aims to strengthen small businesses while improving food security in the state. By supporting projects related to agriculture, aquaculture, seafood harvesting, and food organizations, the program seeks to expand local food production capacity and foster economic resilience. The LASA committee evaluated applications for equity and diversity as well as their potential for promoting smart agricultural practices.
“The LASA program remains a vital source of support for Rhode Island’s local food sector,” said Governor Dan McKee. “Given the unpredictability of federal funding support, state-led investment is critical to providing stability for our farmers, fishers, and food producers, while strengthening our state’s food security and economic resilience.”
Senate Environment & Agriculture Committee Chairwoman V. Susan Sosnowski said: “These grants enhance food security, boost small businesses and make Rhode Island more sustainable and resilient. They are an investment in our people and our future… I am grateful to the many supporters and stakeholders who continue to make this program possible.” Representative Teresa A. Tanzi added: “Since its inception, LASA has helped grow a robust, resilient and sustainable local food industry right here in Rhode Island… I am excited to see the continuing success stories of these grant recipients.” DEM Director Terry Gray said: “Today’s LASA awards will help Rhode Island’s farmers, fishers, and food producers expand their operations… Continued state investment for LASA is more important than ever to strengthen the resilience…of Rhode Island’s local food system.”
Grant recipients include organizations such as African Alliance of RI (for a new farmstand), Blue Acres Aquaculture (equipment purchase), Farm Fresh RI (expanding market opportunities through Farm to Food Pantry), Southside Community Land Trust (Free Farm Stands Project), among others across multiple communities.
The Department of Environmental Management Division of Agriculture and Forest Environment promotes local agriculture and seafood with efforts focused within Rhode Island according to its official website. The division works collaboratively with entities like the Center for Mediation and Collaboration RI on agricultural initiatives; it also provides services such as product registrations or animal health permits; offers certifications; supports marketing efforts; maintains tools promoting locally grown products; operates in agriculture/forestry management fields; sustains ongoing development of farming sectors for future generations—all aimed at advancing community sustainability according to DEM.
With over 1,000 farms statewide—the highest percentage nationally of beginning farmers—Rhode Island’s farming sector continues growing alongside farmland acreage from 2017–2022.
Looking ahead, officials emphasized that continued state-level investments are crucial given uncertainties around federal funding programs that support local foods.
