Rhode Island DEM Grants

Farm Energy Program

Grant awards of up to $20,000 for eligible energy efficiency and renewable energy projects on RI farms.

Local Agriculture and Seafood Acts Grant Program

Grants of up to $20,000 to commercial farmers, fishermen/women, producer groups, and non-profit organizations. Only small and/or beginning farmers, or producer groups of small or beginning farmers, and aquaculture operators are eligible to apply for capital grants.

Organic Certification Cost Share Reimbursement

Certified organic operations in Rhode Island may apply for USDA organic certification cost share reimbursement through RIDEM Division of Agriculture annually when funds become available and after forms and information have been updated at the link above.

The USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) Kent County office also has accepted applications for organic certification cost share reimbursement—please contact FSA for current program status.

RI Produce Safety Improvement Grants

Grants of up to $35,000 to assist eligible Rhode Island farmers and food businesses implement on-farm food safety practices, transition to compliance with the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Produce Safety Rule, and meet market demands for on-farm food safety.

Specialty Crop Block Grant Program

A total of $375,000 available ($36k average per project in FY 2021) to increase the competitiveness of specialty crops, which include as fruits and vegetables, dried fruit, tree nuts, nursery crops, cut flowers, honey, hops, and turf grass. Funds are for projects intended to improve the industry as a whole or benefit the public, rather than benefit an individual venture.