THIS YEAR’S HIGHLIGHTS

Group gathered outdoors

Supporting and advocating for food producers

This year we:

  • Convened a coalition that influenced legislators to include $2.5 million (as opposed to $0) in the state’s Green Bond for farmland preservation
  • Connected with and supported an unprecedented number of urban growers through community partners to better understand policy needs, and started a new Urban Farmer Support work group
    Maintained an increase in state support for the Rhode Island Local Agriculture and Seafood Act (LASA) Grant Program
  • Provided comprehensive support to farmers, fishers, and food business entrepreneurs in applying for state and Federal funding, bringing hundreds of thousands of dollars to the food sector.
  • Successfully rallied for the passing legislation in support of Cottage Food law, making food entrepreneurship more equitable and accessible statewide.


Thank you to the entire RI Food Policy Council team for the effective and persistent advocacy for LASA and other related food system programs.  The budget recommendation of $700K for LASA is no doubt an outcome of such.

– Ken Ayars Chief, Division of Agriculture and Forest Environment
Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management