PROVIDENCE
— Is it time for Rhode Island to have its own division of agriculture? Most
states have one. Rhode Island has a “chief” of agriculture who answers to the
director of the state Department of Environmental Management (DEM). A proposed
new agriculture office would still be a branch of the DEM, but would have more
autonomy.
A
Senate bill (pdf), crafted by energy expert Kenneth
Payne, argues that having a distinct division of agriculture would help the
economy, the rural and urban landscape, and public health.
The division would oversee farming for trees, dairy, gardening, vineyards, horse, livestock, poultry, bees, turf and aquaculture. Other responsibilities would include preserving farmland, marketing, and the regulating of seeds, fertilizers and pesticides.
At
a March 13 hearing, Payne said the agricultural office has been the forgotten
stepchild of state offices since its founding in 1935. Not much would change
from the current structure, he said, but a new agriculture division would allow
the state to get current on growth areas such urban farming and the local food
movement. The relationship between Kenneth Ayars, the current chief of
agriculture, and Janet Coit, the head of DEM, is strong, Payne said. But past
DEM heads have been less supportive of agricultural initiatives, he noted.
“It
really does modernize and update,” Coit said during the recent hearing, adding
that agriculture is a $1.7 billion industry in the state.
Nancy
Letendre, a representative for South Kingstown, said a dedicated state
agricultural division will help promote ancillary farming activities such as
hayrides and corn mazes. “As a farming community we feel it’s an important part
of the local economy," she said.
“It
does relate directly to economic development,” said Sheila Brush of the Rhode
Island Food Policy Council.
Kyle
Stewart of the Rhode Island Nursery and Landscape Association said the industry
needs comprehensive definitions of farming practices. “It allows us to really
have one entity to deal with as a farmer and for farming," he said.
The
Senate Committee on the Environment and Natural Resources held the bill for
further study.
DEM enforcement
The DEM wants more power to enforce fines. A bill (pdf) would allow the DEM to cite and expedite fines up to $2,500. The idea is to speed up the fine process without using lawyers and judges. Coit said the process is an option for violators who want to settle minor violations quickly.
“It’s
one more tool. It’s not a mandate,” Coit said. “They are not giving up any
rights whatsoever.”
The
Rhode Island office of the American Civil Liberties Union contested the writing
of the bill because of language suggesting that violators would be giving up
their right to due process.
The
bill was held until a later hearing date.
Off-road vehicles
Rhode island, Connecticut and Delaware are the only states that don't allow all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) on public land.
Sen.
Frank Lombardo, D-Johnston, introduced a bill (pdf) requiring at least one site for
ATVs on state land. Currently, ATV riders are forced to ride on private land or
ride illegally, he said. “Policemen do not have the time or manpower to chase
ATVs around town," Lombardo said.
In
2007, the state found public land for ATVs, but the host community denied the
plan, said Nicole Pollock of the DEM. Many public lands have deeded
restrictions against motorized vehicles, she said. Many sites also have
unsuitable trails or risk erosion.
Anthony
Ferranti of the ATV dealer ACI Customs in Johnston said the restrictions
against ATVs have hurt business. “Kids need a place to go and keep off the
streets and be more invested with their families," he said.
The
bill was held for further study.
