Grants for farmers, people in the fishing industry, non-profits producing local food

LASA Grants Program Frequently Asked Questions

From the Rhode Island Food Policy Council

The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management, Division of Agriculture is accepting grant applications for the Local Agriculture and Seafood Act (LASA) Grants Program.  The goal of the program, established by the Local Agriculture and Seafood Act of 2012, is to support the growth, development, and marketing of local food and seafood in the Rhode Island.  

It is made possible by $100,000 in funding from the State of Rhode Island, and an additional $110,000 in matching funds from the van Beuren Charitable Foundation, the Henry P. Kendall Foundation, and the Rhode Island Foundation.  This unique and unprecedented public-private partnership will provide grants intended to directly benefit and strengthen the local food system in RI.

Who Can Apply?

Non-profit organizations, farmers, fishermen/women, and producer groups are eligible to apply. Applicants must be based in the State of Rhode Island. The Advisory Council will value geographic diversity in the applicant pool when making award determinations.  Only small and/or beginning farmers (or producer groups of small or beginning farmers) are eligible to apply for capital grants.  (Aquaculture operators are considered farmers).

How Much Can An Applicant Apply For?

The maximum grant award available to a farmer, individual, business (e.g. LLC) or non-profit organization is $20,000. Overhead and/or administrative costs are limited to 10% of total budget proposal.

Where Can I Find LASA Application Materials?

The Application and the Guidelines Document can be found on the Rhode Island Division of Agriculture website (under "grant opportunities" tab).  It also can be found on this LASA FAQ page (see LASA 2014 Documents sidebar, right).

What is the Timing for the LASA Grants Program?

·                     All grant applications are due to the RI Division of Agriculture by 11:59 pm on Tuesday, April 1^st, 2014.

·                     Applications can be emailed to LASA@dem.ri.gov or mailed to/dropped off at the Division of Agriculture office (235 Promenade Street, Providence, RI 02908). (Please note that the Division of Agriculture office closes at 4:30 pm).  Email submissions are strongly preferred.

·                     The Division of Agriculture will send an email confirmation when applications arrive at the office as long as an email address has been provided on the application form.

·                     Applicants will be notified of award decisions by May 1, 2014.