Spotlight on RI Farms
Farmer to Farmer
Our Farm and Livestock Advisor programs put you in touch with local experienced farmers and ranchers to address your questions. Our Advisors are compensated and are there for you. Contact us via email to nofari@live.com or a call to (401) 523-2653. For more information and details see our Farm Advisor Program or Livestock Advisor Program.
Congratulations to 2017 LASA Grant Recipients!
Great news for our organic farms and all the Ag businesses! DEM and its partners awarded over $200,000 as part of its annual Agriculture “Ag” Day celebration at the State House. The awards, funded under the Local Agriculture & Seafood Act (LASA) grant program, help new and existing food initiatives prosper in Rhode Island.
“LASA continues to be an important catalyst in growing our food and agricultural businesses in Rhode Island,” said DEM Director Janet Coit. “It’s fitting to celebrate these awards and the initiatives they help fund during the annual Ag Day celebration, which shines a bright light on our state’s vibrant food scene and rich agricultural and fishing heritage. Kudos to all grant recipients! I look forward to celebrating the success of these initiatives.”
See the more on the 2017 LASA grants and the recipients here.
Lt. Governor’s 39 Farm Tour highlights Organic Farms
RI Lt. Governor McKee has launched a statewide tour of farms or farm-related small business in all 39 cities and towns in Rhode Island. The 39 Farm Tour includes, Hillandale Farm and Wishing Stone Farm both certified organic. When setting up the tour, the Lt. Governor’s office noted “We tried very hard to include a wide variety of farms, making sure we had some certified organic farms was on the top of the list!” You can follow the Lt. Governor on the 39 Farms Tour on Twitter and Facebook using #39Farms.
TV Series “Harvesting Rhode Island” spotlights state’s farms
Greenhouse at Farming Turtles
TV series ‘Harvesting Rhode Island’ spotlights state’s farms begins its second season on PBS. Lauri Roberts of Farming Turtles is among the 22 farmers profiled. Farming Turtles, a certified organic farm in Exeter produces sprouts and micro greens for salads. Tune into Harvesting Rhode Island on Rhode Island PBS Thursdays at 7 pm. Read more here.
NRCS Financial & Technical Assistance Available –
Deadline June 16
Do you own or manage farmland or forest land? You could qualify for financial assistance as the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) still has funding available and has announced a second sign-up round. Deadline is June 16, 2017. For more information check here.
The financial and technical assistance is available to assist private land owners and managers in addressing farm, field, forest, wildlife, water, and/or plant management issues including:
- Erosion Control
- Irrigation Systems and Water Wells
- Fencing
- Grazing Plans
- Pasture and Hayland Planting
- Pollinator Habitat
- Woodland Thinning
- Protection of Heavy Use Areas for Livestock
- Riparian Buffers
- Seasonal High Tunnels