RI Gets $161K Federal Grant To Help Local Farmers

RHODE ISLAND — The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management received a federal grant worth more than $161,000 to help farmers in the Ocean State expand market access for local fruits, vegetables, tree nuts and nursery crops.

The Specialty Crop Block Grant Program, awarded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, aims to enhance the competitiveness of local farmers through consumer awareness of Rhode Island-grown produce and plants through buy-local promotions. The grant also gives money towards creating new marketing opportunities for suppliers and research and development of new crops to introduce to buyers.

"COVID-19 showed us how crucial it is to improve systems that provide all Rhode Islanders with consistent access to safe, healthy, and affordable food," Gov. Dan McKee said Monday in a news release. "This specialty crop grant program will encourage new and better markets for producers and consumers and improve the resiliency of our food supply chain."

The grant recipients are:

• The Rhode Island Fruit Growers Association $22,260 – Improved integrated pest management (IPM) for Rhode specialty crop growers through accurate weather data.
• Southside Community Land Trust $38,640 – Outreach and education to socially disadvantaged farmers for growing specialty crops to meet underserved markets.
• The Rhode Island Food Policy Council $29,937.60 – Equitable growth and technical assistance for small and beginning Rhode Island specialty crop producers.
• Farm Fresh Rhode Island $37,776 – growing local food champions and exploring local food with culinary students.
• The RI Farm Incubator $32,541 – Increasing yields in high-intensity specialty vegetables for regional growers through integrated cropping methods.