DEM
Promotes Growth of Local Farm Economy with Latest Grant Awards
The
Department of Environmental Management announced the award of farm
viability grants to four Rhode Island-based groups working to support local
agriculture.
The grants, totaling $233,250, are made possible by the U.S.
Department of Agriculture (USDA) Specialty Crop Block Grant Program and will
support efforts to increase specialty crop production and grow the marketplace
for these crops in Rhode Island.
USDA defines specialty crops as fruits and
vegetables, dried fruit, tree nuts, and nursery crops, including floriculture
and turf grass.
"Kudos
to these grant recipients for their innovative efforts to strengthen markets
for specialty crops and foster growth in this important economic sector,"
said DEM Director Janet Coit.
"Our local farming industry supports the
livelihoods of so many families in Rhode Island. We're delighted to support
specialty crop growers and cultivate their practices through this grant round
and look forward to the success of these projects."
Grant recipients
include:
Alex
Caserta and the RI Public Broadcast System (PBS) - $49,919 Funding supports
creation of seven new episodes of the Harvesting Rhode Island television series
to promote Rhode Island specialty crop growers and educate consumers on the
benefits of buying locally-produced crops. New episodes to cover topics
including young farmers, the cost of farmland, renewable energy on farmland,
climate change, and vertical growing.
Northeast
Organic Farming Association of Rhode Island (NOFA/RI) - $30,670 Funding
supports NOFA/RI's efforts to train and provide technical assistance to local
organic farmers. Specifically, efforts will include targeted technical
training, innovation sharing and business-skill building workshops, and organic
farming educational conferences for farmers. Participating farmers also have
access to an advisor to support them in producing high-value organic crops.
University
of Rhode Island Vegetable Production Team - $50,000 Funding supports the
development and testing of automated green laser scarecrows as alternatives to
using propane cannons and netting to protect crops from birds.
Additionally,
DEM received $62,661 under USDA's Specialty Crop Block Grant Program to
strengthen its buy local campaign, "Get Fresh, Buy Local."
The funds
will be used to help increase consumer awareness and demand for specialty crop
products. Rhode Island is experiencing significant growth in its agricultural
and local food sector.
The state's food system now supports 60,000 jobs, and
Rhode Island is one of a few states where the number of farms is on the rise,
now standing at more than 1,200 farms.
The state also leads the nation in the
percent of its farms selling directly to the public. Green industries in Rhode
Island account for more than 15,000 jobs and contribute $2.5 billion to the
economy.
For
more information about the Specialty Crop Block Grant awards, visit USDA.gov.
For
more information on DEM programs and initiatives, visit www.dem.ri.gov. Follow
DEM on Twitter (@RhodeIslandDEM) or Facebook at www.facebook.com/RhodeIslandDEM
for timely updates.
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