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News Bites: Blackbird Farm Farmers Market 2017 / Local Agriculture & Seafood Act Grants 2017 Awarded

by David Dadekian May 22, 2017
written by David Dadekian

Current news releases—Eat Drink RI is not the source for these items—please follow any links for more information.

Brand New Farmers Market at Blackbird Farm in Smithfield, RI beginning Friday, May 26th

Blackbird Farm

Blackbird Farm, one of the most-acclaimed beef and pork farms in New England, will host a brand new local farmers market at their farm stand on Friday evenings from 4-7pm, beginning on May 26th at 660 Douglas Pike, Smithfield, RI 02917. The farmers market will take place every Friday evening (weather permitting) through October 27th.

Farmers markets are for people from all walks of life and all ages who share a common belief that farmers and local producers are a vital part of our community. This market will support the local food economy, showcase a wide variety of products and tap into a region of the state that currently doesn’t offer an extensive outdoor market. The Blackbird Farm Farmers Market will support local farmers and producers, improve access to fresh fruits, vegetables and other farm products, encourage sustainability, and educate the community on the importance of local foods.

Vendors will include Blackbird Farm, Aquidneck Honey, Harris Farm, Hickory Hill Farm, Open Season, Providence Kettle Corn, Rachyl’s Goat Milk Soap, The Farm in Rhode Island and We Be Jammin’ & Blooming Buddies. A variety of products will be offered, such as: beef and pork, seasonal produce, bouquets, charcuterie, eggs, jams, jellies, edible flowers, herbs, plants, prepared foods, packaged seasonings, natural body products, beverages, and more.


DEM Partners Announce Over $200,000 in Grants to Local Food Businesses

Rhode Island Food Policy CouncilThe Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM), along with its partners, today awarded over $200,000 to 21 local food businesses 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 small businesses and 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.”

Now in its fourth year, LASA has provided over $900,000 – through grants up to $20,000 – to support growth of Rhode Island’s local food economy. The state’s food scene is often cited as an area of economic strength ripe for innovation and growth. Already, the local food industry supports 60,000 jobs, and the state’s green industries account for more than 15,000 jobs and contribute $2.5 billion to the economy annually.

“I’m always very excited to see the new crop of LASA grantees each year,” said David Dadekian, chair of the Rhode Island Food Policy Council. “The progress and success of these businesses, with the help of a program like LASA, is proof positive of the economic growth in the food and drink cluster here in Rhode Island and the Council is always proud to support that growth.”

The 2017 LASA grant awards include:

Backyard Food Company, $6,890: Expand greenhouse production space
Brandon Family Farm, $5,229: Support creation of pawpaw fruit orchard
Charlie’s Sugarhouse, $3,000: Expand parking area for education programs
Commercial Fisheries Research Foundation, $18,255: Develop an educational series for restaurateurs on local seafood products
Hocus Pocus Farm, $6,578: Improve soil conservation by transitioning to a no-till method of farming
Hurricane Hill Farm Collaborative, $19,836: Provide incubator farm space & to support infrastructure
Jerusalem Shellfish Co., LLC, $10,000: Restore a walk-in cooler & ice maker
Little River Farm, $3,500: Support expansion of caterpillar hoop house tunnels to help extend the farming season
Little State Flower Company, $8,949: Help develop historic farm site & expand flower growing business
Moonrose Farm, $6,362: Purchase a mobile walk-in cooler
Mooresfield Oyster Farm, $15,072: Enhance food safety measures
Northern RI Conservation District, $19,613: Help expand farming opportunities at Snake Den Farm
Ocean State Oyster Hatchery, $9,000: Purchase & install a commercial generator
Pat’s Pastured, $12,500: Improve chicken coops for greater efficiency & humane raising of birds
Point Judith Kelp Company, $6,000: Support wild seaweed harvest & development of new products
Rhode Island Shellfisherman’s Association, $1,931: Repair & upgrade upweller
Sanctuary Teas & Herbs, $12,160: Help launch this new business venture with refugee farmers
Walrus and Carpenter Oysters LLC, $12,000: Support expansion of sugar kelp hatchery
Westbay Community Action, $4,510: Develop cold storage & a new farm stand
West Elmwood Housing Development Corporation/Sankofa Initiative, $17,015: Support purchase of cold storage for produce grown at Sankofa community farm
Wild Harmony Farm, $11,600: Purchase an egg-washing machine & expand capacity

In partnership with the Rhode Island Food Policy Council, LASA is funded by the state with generous support from the van Beuren Charitable Foundation, the Henry P. Kendall Foundation, and the Rhode Island Foundation. In addition to the above grant awards, $20,000 is directed to DEM and the Rhode Island Seafood Marketing Collaborative to support the state’s local seafood campaign, RI Seafood. Local seafood is poised to spur the next wave of food-based economic growth. Last year, more than 100 million pounds of seafood arrived to a local port, with an export value over $1 billion.

As part of Ag Day festivities, local farmers, food businesses, and community groups are set up around the State House Rotunda from 11:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. today and offer free food samples and information about their work. For more information on DEM programs and initiatives, visit www.dem.ri.gov. Follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/RhodeIslandDEM or on Twitter (@RhodeIslandDEM) for timely updates.

May 22, 2017 0 comment
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farmsnews

RI DEM News Release: Governor, Moffit, DEM Announce Grant Awards to Local Food Businesses During Rhode Island’s 15th Annual “Ag” Day

by David Dadekian May 11, 2016
written by David Dadekian

Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management

As part of her continued efforts to grow Rhode Island’s green economy, Governor Raimondo joined First Gentleman Andy Moffit, the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) and other partners today to mark the 15th anniversary of Agriculture “Ag” Day in Rhode Island; as part of the event, over $200,000 was awarded to 16 local farmers and food businesses as part of the Local Agriculture & Seafood Act (LASA) grant program.

“Rhode Islanders take great pride in their agricultural heritage and thriving local food scene,” said Governor Gina Raimondo.  “It is part of our identity as a state, and increasingly, local food and agriculture are hotbeds for innovation and entrepreneurship.  Small business is the backbone of our economy in Rhode Island, and I am proud of this investment in our green industries and the many new businesses and working families supported by them.  I applaud all partners involved in growing our green economy; this is a great example of how Rhode Islanders are working together to make our state stronger.”

Now in its third year, the LASA grant program provides grants up to $20,000 to help strengthen Rhode Island’s green economy and assist local farmers and fishermen in growing their businesses. Rhode Island’s food system supports 60,000 jobs, and the state’s green industries account for more than 15,000 jobs and contribute $2.5 billion to the economy; there are 1,243 farms in Rhode Island, an increase of 44 percent from 2002, and nearly 70,000 acres of farmland.

“Local Rhode Island food is among the best in the world” said First Gentleman Andy Moffit.  “By working together to foster innovation and growth, we will not only strengthen our economy but also address the public health and food security issues that plague many communities. Our focus remains on ensuring all Rhode Islanders have access to healthy, locally sourced food. Thank you to the many partners involved in helping make this vision a reality.”

“There is a tremendous energy in local food and agriculture, spurred on by an increasing awareness of the many benefits of locally grown products,” said DEM Director Coit.  “LASA continues to be an important catalyst in growing our food-based businesses in Rhode Island, and we are thrilled to join our many partners in announcing the 2016 round of grants.  We are equally thrilled to be celebrating our 15th Annual Ag Day in Rhode Island and inviting the public to learn more about local agriculture and experience the delicious foods and flavors our state has to offer.  What an exciting day and a wonderful way to showcase this vibrant industry in our state!”

This year’s LASA grant recipients include:

Southside Community Land Trust, $19,462:
Improvements to Urban Edge Farm

RI Land Trust Council, $19,757:
Improved farmland access, transfer

Sun Farm Oysters, LLC, $9,754:
Expand access to ice for BI aquaculture farms

Albert Brandon, $2,874:
Extend the season, profitability of local strawberries

Patrick McNiff/Pat’s Pastured, $15,000:
Increase poultry processing capacity

Zephyr Farm, $14,500:
Purchase, retrofit trailer to process fruits, vegetables

Nathaniel Wood, Jenna Yu, Adam Graffunder, $7,405:
Upgrade infrastructure for seed starting, crop storage

Christian Durfee, $10,000:
Defray operational costs for oyster hatchery

Erika Lamb, $19,706:
Support “SecondsFirst” food production

RWU, $19,204:
Conduct local sugar kelp research

Jon and Aden Restivo, $2,811:
Install additional beehives at Legend’s Creek Farm

Young Farmer Network, $19,938:
Expand current programming, coalition

Pickin Rock Produce/Silas Peckham-Paul, $16,091:
Purchase equipment, conduct research

Mapleville Farm, $8,300:
Expand aquaponics greenhouse, support outreach

Anna Jane Kocon, $15,349:
Expand harvest production of flower products

Sol Chariots Pedicab Cooperative, $9,847:
Expand delivery, compost pick-up service

In partnership with the Rhode Island Food Policy Council, LASA is funded by the state with generous support from the van Beuren Charitable Foundation, the Henry P. Kendall Foundation, and the Rhode Island Foundation. In addition to the above grant awards, $20,000 is directed to DEM and the Rhode Island Seafood Marketing Collaborative to support the state’s local seafood campaign, RI Seafood.  Local seafood is poised to spur the next wave of food-based economic growth; last year, nearly 100 million pounds of seafood arrived to a local port – with an ex-vessel value over $75 million.

As part of Ag Day festivities, local farmers, food businesses, and community groups are set up around the State House Rotunda from 11:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. today and offer free food samples and information about their work.

For more information on DEM programs and initiatives, visit www.dem.ri.gov. Follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/RhodeIslandDEM or on Twitter (@RhodeIslandDEM) for timely updates.

May 11, 2016 0 comment
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