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Northeast Organic Farming Association

News Bites: Rhode Island DEM Grant Awards / Hope & Main Receives USDA Grant / Barnaby’s Public House Opening

by David Dadekian May 9, 2019

written by David Dadekian

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

DEM Promotes Growth of Local Farm Economy with Latest Grant Awards

A total of $276,614 will be invested to support specialty crop production and sales in Rhode Island

Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management

The Department of Environmental Management announced today the award of $276,614 in farm viability grants to seven Rhode Island-based groups working to support local agriculture; the grants are made possible by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Specialty Crop Block Grant Program and will support efforts to increase specialty crop production and grow the marketplace for these crops in Rhode Island. USDA defines specialty crops as fruits and vegetables, dried fruit, tree nuts, and nursery crops, including floriculture and turf grass.

“We’re delighted to support Rhode Island specialty crop growers and cultivate their practices through this grant round and look forward to the success of these projects,” said DEM Director Janet Coit. “Congratulations to these grant recipients for their innovative efforts to strengthen markets for specialty crops and foster growth in our state’s farming industry.”

Grant recipients include:

Farm Fresh Rhode Island – $50,000 Funding supports the expansion of the educational component of the farm-to-school program through farm and classroom-based educational opportunities for both students and school nutrition professionals. Field trips will provide hands-on, experiential educational opportunities for Rhode Island children to understand where their food comes from and think critically about the importance of local food. A separate series of field trips will provide professional development opportunities for school nutrition professionals to identify ways to begin or strengthen farm-to-school programming through local specialty crop purchasing practices.

Caserta Productions – $49,984 Funding supports creation of seven new episodes of the Harvesting Rhode Island television series to promote Rhode Island specialty crop growers and educate consumers on the benefits of buying locally-produced crops. New episodes to cover topics including young farmers staying in Rhode Island and the cost of farmland, the relationship between renewable energy and the loss of farmland, climate change, and vertical growing. Discussions with farmers will include organic farming, issues about solar panels and alternative energy on the farmland.

Northeast Organic Farming Association of Rhode Island (NOFA/RI) – $30,950 Funding supports NOFA/RI’s efforts to train and provide technical assistance to local organic farmers. Specifically, efforts will include continuing and enhancing NOFA/RI’s farmer-to-farmer advisor program, a series of on-farm workshops, an advanced growers’ seminar, an educational conference, and enhanced publicity/outreach/education efforts including direct contact with consumers at farmers markets and other venues.

Southside Community Land Trust (SCLT) – $29,858 Funding supports efforts to increase the impact of SCLT’s Food Hub, which aggregates and distributes specialty crops grown at urban farm sites in greater Providence, by developing digital platforms for customer ordering and invoicing, and systems for improved inventory control; providing logistical support for the increasing volume of crops sold through the Food Hub and for coordinating with new customers; and increasing the number of access points for low-income, socially disadvantaged community members to buy fresh, healthy produce grown by local farmers; and developing food systems and entrepreneurial competencies for college-age employees.

African Alliance of Rhode Island (AARI) – $14,500 Funding supports AARI’s efforts to expand access to locally grown organic specialty vegetables, greens and value-added products to people living in food desert neighborhoods in upper and lower South Providence. Specifically, the project will support AARI beginning farmers who grow produce for home consumption and to sell at local farmers markets by creating three new pop-up farmers markets in areas where farmers markets do not currently operate and continuing to offer locally-sourced fresh produce at established venues.

Wishing Stone Farm – $12,375 Funding supports the development of technologies and a protocol for no-till vegetable production specific to New England soils and seasonal time horizons. The project will include soil testing to examine fertilizer and moisture needs and ways to increase the amount of organic matter levels in no-till soils. A video will be produced to update farmers on this new technology and a slideshow/talk on no-till vegetable production will be presented at the biennial meeting of the New England Vegetable Growers Association.

Additionally, DEM received $88,947 under USDA’s Specialty Crop Block Grant Program to strengthen its buy local campaign, “Get Fresh, Buy Local.” The funds will be used to help increase consumer awareness and demand for specialty crop products. Rhode Island is experiencing significant growth in its agricultural and local food sector. The state’s food system now supports 60,000 jobs, and Rhode Island is one of a few states where the number of farms is on the rise, now standing at more than 1,200 farms. The state is a national leader in the percent of its farms selling directly to the public. Green industries in Rhode Island account for more than 15,000 jobs and contribute $2.5 billion to the economy.

State’s Premier Culinary Incubator, Hope & Main, Receives $178,000 Usda Grant To Increase Access To Local Food

Non-Profit Earns Competitive Grant for Unique National Model that Drives Both Supply and Demand for Rhode Island Made Product

Hope & Main opened its doors as a start-up of start-ups and an engine of innovation, small business development, and job creation in Rhode Island’s growing food economy. Founder and President, Lisa Raiola says, “We have been one lesson plan ahead of the class when it comes to developing our incubation program. We had no preconceived ideas about best practices in this market and were deliberate in listening to the needs of our members so we can address major pain points and develop a comprehensive approach to helping new food businesses to launch and scale.”

In its 18,000 square foot shared-use facility in Warren, RI, Hope & Main provides affordable access to four specially-equipped commercial kitchens. “Equally, if not more important to the success of these emerging businesses,” says Raiola, “is the ability to reach direct consumers and purchasers with these new products. Production space is not enough. These entrepreneurs need a partner in promotion. That is where the Farmers Market Promotion Program (FMPP) USDA grant comes in.”

U.S. Senator Jack Reed, a senior member of the Appropriations Committee and an early champion of the Hope & Main concept, said: “Hope & Main was selected for a $178,000 three-year FMPP grant for its innovative incubation model that combines technical assistance for food production with promotional programs that connect makers to direct consumers and large purchasers. I have met many of the producers and makers, and they always have a fascinating story to tell, to go along with delicious food. This grant will help spread the word, help Hope & Main expand its reach, and develop new market opportunities for producers and makers. I commend Lisa Raiola for her vision and leadership, and I hope this innovative incubator will help us continue building a stronger local food system for Rhode Island.”

With the help of funders such as the USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service, Commerce RI and the Rhode Island Foundation, Hope & Main has serviced over 300 food businesses, launched 177 new businesses and assisted 40 businesses to graduate into their own facilities throughout Rhode Island and the region. These 40 graduates have created 351 jobs and have poured millions of dollars into the State’s emerging food sector. In just four years, this non-profit incubator is among the top 10% of all culinary incubators in the country.

The FMPP grant will help Hope & Main to assist members to broaden and diversify access to their products. The funds will support distribution partnerships with Farm Fresh Rhode Island to reach retail and institutional buyers through Market Mobile; and Crave Food Systems with whom they have developed an app to enable consumers to order products directly from members. The grant will support education for members in branding and marketing local products. In addition, with the help of the RI Community Food Bank, funds will help expand access to local food at Hope & Main’s Schoolyard Market and Meet Your Maker market, to food insecure neighbors in the East Bay and throughout Rhode Island.

When asked what is next for Hope & Main, Raiola says as members have graduated the team is excited to help the pipeline of new applicants bring their good food ideas to market. With the recent addition of a Contract Manufacturing Technical Assistance Program through an Innovation Network Matching Grant from the State, Hope & Main can now help start-up food businesses by performing small batch manufacturing for them at their Warren facility. She says, “The ability for our entrepreneurs to get out of the kitchen and on the road to sell their products will help them to scale more rapidly, and reach sustainability sooner.”

Barnaby’s Public House Opening

Barnaby’s Public House, located at 385 Westminster St, Providence, in the historic Conrad Building, is excited to announce its opening in early January.

Barnaby’s will celebrate the era of pre-prohibition, when drinks were serious and American cuisine was simple and delicious. It’s prime location in the Conrad Building, which was erected in 1885 by the new establishment’s namesake, Jerothmul Barnaby, has been completely restored to showcase the Victorian details and the ornate characteristics of the era.

The story and historical significance of Barnaby’s is a key component of the establishment. The scandalous legend and murder of Jerothnul’s wife, Josephine, in 1881 (the first death by mail in the country), will be shared with all guests in a variety of ways ranging from the décor to the food and drinks that will certainly spark curiosity and interest.

Under the leadership of David Bertolini and Michael Santos, owners of Providence Coal Fired Pizza, Barnaby’s will pride itself on offering craft cocktails and beers, fine wines, and an impressive selection that includes whiskeys, bourbons, and ryes.

Barnaby’s will be open 7 days a week, serving its full menu from 11:30 am to 10:00 p.m. Monday to Thursday and a late night menu on Fridays and Saturdays. The bar will be open daily from 11:30 am to Midnight, Sunday to Thursday, and until 1:00 am on Fridays and Saturdays.

Please visit www.barnabyspublichouse.com for more information and updates.

May 9, 2019 0 comment

chefs & restaurants farms news wine & drinks

News Bites: Newport Vineyards Opens Restaurant, DEM Farm Viability Grants, Cook & Brown Public House Wins National Competition

by David Dadekian October 24, 2014

written by David Dadekian

Newport Vineyards’ Brix Restaurant

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

Newport Vineyards Announces Addition of Brix Restaurant

New Restaurant Part of a Multi-Million Dollar Winery Expansion

Newport Vineyards is pleased to announce the addition of Brix Restaurant to its winery location, as part of a multi-million dollar expansion. The former location of Nunes Motor Group, Andrew’s Restaurant and The Glass Union, has been transformed into a refined rustic space, including exposed industrial ductwork, wood beams and polished concrete floors. Preserving the history of the space, an original stone fireplace has been restored and serves as an area for guests to gather around. The space also features two walls of windows, overlooking the winery’s barrel room, tank room and views out to the vineyard, ideal for taking in all the action of harvest and winery activities.

Under the culinary direction of Andrew Gold, the Aquidneck Island restaurateur has come full circle to manage Brix Restaurant which is the same location he opened Andrew’s Restaurant in 1988. The nearly 100-seat restaurant will serve dinner daily, and Sunday brunch will be introduced in the coming weeks. Guests can enjoy Newport Vineyards wines, along with a selection of guest wines, beer and specialty cocktails. The space will also be available for daytime corporate and social group functions.

“We are very excited to announce the addition of Brix Restaurant to the Aquidneck Island community and beyond,” stated owner John Nunes. “The restaurant will offer both our local guests and winery guests a truly unique dining experience, coupled with views of our winery and vineyard.”

On the heels of its 20th anniversary, Newport Vineyards is renovating over 30,000 square feet of their building located conveniently on East Main Road, just minutes outside of Newport. Phase one of the expansion has been completed and includes Brix Restaurant, a new fermentation tank room and barrel room, as well as an outdoor patio and seating complete with wine by the glass and tasting bars. Slated for an early 2015 completion, phase two of the renovation includes a new tasting room, three-season porch, second patio, marketplace and new space for neighboring business Fatulli’s Bakery and Deli.

DEM Announces Award of $255,543 in Farm Viability Grants to Enhance and Promote Rhode Island Specialty Crops

The Department of Environmental Management has announced the award of farm viability grants totaling $255,543 for projects that will enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops grown in Rhode Island. The funds are from the US Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Specialty Crop Block Grant program. Specialty crops are defined by this federally-supported program as fruits and vegetables, dried fruit, tree nuts, and nursery crops including floriculture and turf grass production.

“These grants will help promote the long-term viability of agriculture in Rhode Island by strengthening markets for specialty crops and sustaining the livelihood of our state’s farmers,” noted DEM Director Janet Coit.

The farm viability grants will be used for a wide range of purposes, such as enhancing food safety practices among farmers and produce vendors at farmers’ markets; increasing the consumption of specialty crops by the Latino population and decreasing obesity rates among participating families; and supporting agricultural research at Rhode Island College on the honeybee population.

Following is a list of projects awarded funding through the grant round:

$37,752,000 for the Rhode Island Good Agricultural Practices Program, a partnership between the University of Rhode Island’s Nutrition and Food Sciences Department and DEM’s Division of Agriculture, to provide growers with training and support to become part of the state RIGAP certified grower program. The program has helped enhance food safety on farms for the past 12 years by providing farmers with information and resources about safe produce planting, harvesting and handling practices;
$40,000 to Farm Fresh Rhode Island for the RI Farm to Cafeteria Project, a collaborative effort designed to bring RI institutional buyers such as schools, hospitals, state agencies and worksites together with RI farmers to develop sustainable purchasing agreements. This project builds on the success of the RI Farm to School Program, taking best practices and techniques and applying them to other types of large-scale food buyers. Work will include educating food service buyers and chefs on local specialty crop availability and use through the development and dissemination of a “Harvest of the Month” print marketing campaign to promote local specialty crops in cafeterias, and enhancing the Market Mobile program to serve more institutional purchasers;
$10,300 to the Northeast Organic Farming Association of Rhode Island, to increase the production and consumption of certified organic specialty crops in Rhode Island by providing outreach, education, and technical assistance to farmers;
$35,400 to New Urban Farmers, to support a collaborative effort with the Pawtucket Housing Authority that promotes the use of specialty crops among Latino residents living in two family development complexes in Pawtucket. The project will include hands-on demonstrations and workshops, a mobile market to make specialty crops available from farm-to-table, and assistance for residents to establish community gardens;
$22,736 to the Rhode Island College Honey Bee Study, to conduct a rigorous survey of the health and size of the state’s honeybee populations along with the incidence of the small hive beetle (SHB). Survey data generated will represent baseline data for further monitoring of the bee population in Rhode Island. Educational outreach will be conducted to promote beekeeping and bolster bee populations, and mitigation strategies will be assessed to reduce the impact of the SHB. The goal of the study is to increase the size of the bee population and enhance the ability to pollinate specialty crops in the state;
$31,398 to the University of Rhode Island Division of Research and Economic Development to conduct a study entitled, “De-Tasseling Sweet Corn to Prevent Bird Damage: An Alternative to Cannons?” This project is designed to address bird damage to sweet corn, which is a major specialty crop in Rhode Island both in acreage and in value. Uncontrolled feeding by flocks of birds can result in the loss of entire plantings of sweet corn. Currently the most effective and affordable control option for farmers is propane-fueled bird cannons, which emit a sonic blast every 40 seconds to 30 minutes to frighten birds. It has been reported that removing the tassel from corn plants after pollination decreases bird damage and may be an effective alternative to bird cannons. The study will evaluate the effectiveness of de-tasseling at preventing bird damage, measure its effect on corn yield and quality, and determine if de-tasseling provides sufficient benefits to growers to justify the expense; and
$6,000 to Harvest New England Association, Inc. for an educational program designed to increase sales and consumption of regional specialty crops by New England consumer, specialty crop producers and wholesalers of specialty crops.

In addition to the grants, $71,957 in funding is provided to DEM’s Division of Agriculture, to continue to increase demand and consumption of Rhode Island-grown specialty crops by expanding on the “Rhode Island Grown Get Fresh Buy Local” initiative through produce preparation demonstrations featuring local celebrity chefs at all RI farmers markets and participating roadside stands; updating its RI agricultural display; and enhancing the marketing program by making point-of-purchase advertising material available to farmers.

Rhode Island has 1,243 farms, mostly family run, which occupy 68,000 acres. The state is a national leader in direct-sales to consumers, with 50 seasonal farmers markets in the state’s urban, suburban and rural areas, seven indoor winter markets, and numerous pick-your-own and farm stand operations. The recent Green Industry Economic Impact Study funded by DEM and conducted by URI conservatively estimates that total agricultural revenues in Rhode Island are $170.6 million.

Cook & Brown Public House Wins American Lamb Jam Finale

On Sunday, September 28, 2014, Chef Nemo Bolin of Providence’s Cook & Brown Public House was victorious in claiming the national title in the American Lamb Jam competition. The four competing chefs, all of who won Best in Show at their local area Lamb Jam competitions were: Chef Sophina Uong, Pican (San Francisco), Chef Sarah Lorenzen, Andaluca (Seattle), Chef Rodney Scruggs, Occidental Grill (Washington, D.C.) and Chef Nemo Bolin, Cook & Brown Public House (New England). Bolin’s winning dish was a merguez scotch egg with harissa, herbed yogurt, pickles & herb salad. More information on Bolin’s New England win can be found here on Eat Drink RI.

In celebration of the win Cook & Brown Public House will be hosting a limited dinner featuring local lamb and wines from Neal Rosenthal on Saturday, November 15th at 6 p.m. It will be five courses (with some additional treats here and there) of food and wine for $125 per person. Seating is limited and you don’t want to miss out. Call 401-273-7275 for reservations.

October 24, 2014 0 comment

chefs & restaurants farms news wine & drinks

News Bites: Senator Reed Announces Grants to Promote Agriculture, Local Agriculture and Seafood Act Grant Awardees Announcement, Easy Entertaining Offering Beers and Wines at Cafe

by David Dadekian April 29, 2014

written by David Dadekian

Senator Jack Reed speaking at Earth Day event.

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

Reed, Ag Leaders Announce $255,000 to Help Promote Ocean State Agricultural Products

Earth Day event highlights grant money to support RI food growers, facilitate healthier meals in schools

U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) today joined officials from the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM), the Rhode Island State Farm Service Agency (FSA), and Farm Fresh Rhode Island to celebrate Earth Day and announce new efforts to promote, research, and market Rhode Island agriculture. Reed announced a series of federal grants coming to Rhode Island to improve nutrition in schools and help increase demand and consumption of local, nutritious, and sustainable Rhode Island-grown food.

This year, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is making a $255,000 Specialty Crop Block Grant available to DEM and to food and other specialty crop growers for a variety of projects. Specialty crops make up the bulk of what we eat — all of our fruits and vegetables — as well as things like nursery crops. Past recipients of these federal grants include: Farm Fresh Rhode Island; the Northeast Organic Farming Association of Rhode Island; Beanhouses Inc.; and the University of Rhode Island Cooperative Extension.

“There’s a lot people can do to protect the planet, like recycling and conserving energy. And another smart way to help Rhode Island’s environment and the economy is to buy local and support your local farms and farmers markets. Because supporting sustainable agriculture here in Rhode Island also supports a healthy economy,” said Reed, the Chairman of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior & Environment. “A thriving agricultural sector is critical for Rhode Island’s economy and our environment. Supporting local famers and farmers markets is a great way to celebrate Earth Day all year round. I commend DEM, FSA, Farm Fresh Rhode Island, their partners, and our farmers throughout the state who are at the forefront of efforts to plant, grow, and harvest in a sustainable manner that conserves resources and protects the environment. These federal funds will help enhance the production and competitiveness of Rhode Island-grown food and support local growers through marketing and education campaigns, and ‘buy local’ programs. ”

“Earth Day reminds us that healthy farms and food systems are important, as are certain federal grant programs toward achieving that goal. The USDA Specialty Crop Block grant program has been essential to Rhode Island, providing over $1.7 million in federal funding to DEM since 2005 to support local specialty crop growers and programs, of which DEM has directed over $300,000 toward Farm Fresh RI to help build a better local food system,” said Ken Ayars, Chief of DEM’s Division of Agriculture.

“Farm Fresh is very grateful to Senator Reed for facilitating these funds to support Rhode Island’s agricultural sector. Investments in our farm economy will create big returns for local job growth and economic development, as well as help Rhode Islanders choose fresh, healthy, local fruits and vegetables,” said Sheri Griffin, Co-Executive Director, Farm Fresh Rhode Island.

DEM, which will award the federal funding to local grantees, notes there are more than 2,500 green industry businesses in Rhode Island, which help sustain 12,300 jobs and contribute $1.7 billion annually to our state’s economy. In addition to these economic benefits, Rhode Island’s agriculture industry also contributes to tourism, open space, quality of life, and access to local foods and horticultural products.

Farm Fresh Rhode Island, which hosted today’s meeting at their warehouse in Pawtucket, discussed one of their key programs, the “Farm to School” project. The initiative empowers youth to think critically about the food they eat, to learn about nearby farms and how food is produced, and to taste for themselves healthy, fresh foods. Earlier this year, Farm Fresh Rhode Island received a $91,917 federal grant from the USDA to partner with Central Falls, Newport, and Providence School districts, in collaboration with the Rhode Island Training School, on a new “blast freezing” pilot program that will help serve up nutritious produce in more classrooms.

Reed today also noted that Rhode Island is slated to receive a $93,191 School Food Service Equipment grant to help schools upgrade kitchen equipment as they seek to provide healthier school meals that meet updated nutrition standards, serving breakfast and lunches with more whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean protein and low-fat dairy, and less sodium and fat. New guidelines took effect in the fall of 2012 under the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act. A 2014 report by the Pew Charitable Trusts and Robert Wood Johnson Foundation found that many Rhode Island schools lack the kitchen space and equipment to prepare the healthier meals, forcing them to rely on costly, inefficient workarounds.

Reed has long supported legislation to help boost Rhode Island’s food economy. In 2004, Reed helped pass the Specialty Crops Competitiveness Act, which authorized the USDA to provide grants to state departments of agriculture for the purposes of enhancing the competitiveness of specialty crops. Reed is also a co-sponsor of the Local Farms, Food, and Jobs Act, which seeks to spur job creation by improving federal farm bill programs that support local and regional farm and food systems. The legislation also seeks to help farmers and ranchers engaged in local and regional agriculture by addressing production, aggregation, processing, marketing, and distribution needs, in addition to assisting consumers by improving access to healthy food and direct and retail markets. Many of the provisions of the Local Farms, Food, and Jobs Act were included in the Farm Bill passed by Congress earlier this year.

Local Agriculture and Seafood Act (LASA) Grant Awardees Announcement

Janet Coit, Director of the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (RIDEM), will announce the awardees for the 2014 LASA grants on Thursday May 1, at 2:00 p.m. in the State Room of the RI State House during the Speaker Ceremony portion of the 2014 Rhode Island Agriculture Day. Media is invited to attend.

The LASA Grants Advisory Committee, created to assist the RIDEM in matters related to the LASA Grants program, received, reviewed and scored over 90 grant applications for the 2014 funds. Recommendations for grant recipients were sent to Director Coit’s office for final approval. The LASA Grants Program was established by the Local Agriculture and Seafood Act of 2012 to support the growth, development and marketing of local food and seafood in Rhode Island. 2014 LASA applicants were encouraged to apply for projects that would increase the competitiveness of RI agricultural products and local seafood while also strengthening the local food system.

Funding was made possible by $100,000 in State funds and $100,000 in funds from the van Beuren Charitable Foundation, the Henry P. Kendall Foundation and the Rhode Island Foundation. RIDEM coordinated with the Rhode Island Food Policy Council (RIFPC) to administer the LASA Grants Program.

More information on the LASA grants program can be found on the RIDEM website or on the RIFPC website.

Cheers; Easy Entertaining Inc now offers Craft Beers and Boutique Wines at their Cafe!

Easy Entertaining Inc., a local farm-to-fork Café and catering collaborative, now offers locally crafted beers and hand selected wines to it’s guests and catering clientele.

“We are thrilled that we have received our Wine and Beer License! This is going to open up a whole new side to the business. Not only does the licensing allow us to support our local craft breweries and vintners, but it’s going to enhance our clients’ overall experience by allowing us to perfectly pair beer and wine with their meal” said Chef Kaitlyn Roberts, founder & owner of Easy Entertaining Inc.

The team at Easy Entertaining Inc. has handpicked the local brews and boutique wines with their cafe & catering menus in mind. This is reflected not only in their current cafe menu but in the upcoming Spring menu as well where guests will find a beer or wine suggestion that pairs beautifully with each entree.

Beer and wine will not only be offered to the Café’s lunch crowd but there will also be custom options available when you book the Café as a venue for your next private event. The venue features original hardwood floors, elegant chandeliers, restored hurricane wood tables, 17ft ceilings, and a unique, cozy loft experience. The Cafe is truly a unique location that will help ensure your event is spectacular.

Be sure to stop by the Cafe for lunch at 166 Valley St., Building 10 in Providence and enjoy our outdoor patio seating with a signature sandwich and a cold bottle of craft beer!

April 29, 2014 0 comment

farms news

RI DEM News Release: DEM Announces Award of $205,311 in Farm Viability Grants to Enhance and Promote Rhode Island Specialty Crops

by David Dadekian November 1, 2013

written by David Dadekian

For Release: October 29, 2013
Contact: Gail Mastrati 222-4700 ext. 2402

DEM ANNOUNCES AWARD OF $205,311 IN FARM VIABILITY GRANTS TO ENHANCE AND PROMOTE RHODE ISLAND SPECIALTY CROPS

PROVIDENCE – The Department of Environmental Management has announced the award of farm viability grants totaling $205,311 for projects that will enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops grown in Rhode Island. The funds are from the US Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Specialty Crop Block Grant program. Specialty crops are defined by this federally-supported program as fruits and vegetables, dried fruit, tree nuts, and nursery crops including floriculture and turf grass production.

“We’re pleased to award these grants for projects that will help strengthen markets for specialty crops, sustain the livelihood of Rhode Island farmers, and promote the long-term viability of agriculture in our state,” said DEM Director Janet Coit.

The farm viability grants will be used for a wide range of purposes, such as increasing purchase of specialty crops by local schools, creating African vegetable markets in select stores in African and Latino neighborhoods, and supporting agricultural research at the University of Rhode Island.

DEM’s Division of Agriculture and Resources Marketing received 11 applications for the grants. Following is a list of projects awarded funding through the grant round:

$50,000 to Farm Fresh Rhode Island, to increase specialty crop purchases by local public schools by continuing to provide technical assistance to food service management companies and local farmers; making connections resulting in local specialty crops on the menu at schools, hospitals, care facilities, senior meal sites and worksite cafeterias; and building demand for local specialty crops through classroom and worksite education programs. Matching funds cover the costs associated with non-specialty crop items;
$20,000 to the African Alliance of Rhode Island, to provide access to African vegetables grown in urban vegetable-growing parcels by creating African vegetable markets in pilot corner stores in African/Latino neighborhoods that will incorporate native African vegetable education programs and cooking demonstrations;
$17,000 to the Northeast Organic Farming Association of Rhode Island, to provide training for specialty crop farmers in the use of organic production techniques;
$10,500 to Beanhouses Inc. and the University of Rhode Island Cooperative Extension, to determine if there are any varieties of dry beans that can be grown in Rhode Island, and make dry bean production an affordable option for farmers by conducting variety trials and demonstrating a bean thresher and bean winnow to growers;
$31,865 to the University of Rhode Island Cooperative Extension, to improve yield and quality of melons by testing innovative methods of protecting melons from striped cucumber beetle damage throughout the crop cycle while minimizing risks to bees. Successful control methods will be shared with interested growers through Vegetable Twilight Meetings hosted by the Cooperative Extension, and through the newly web-accessible “RI Agricultural Experiment Station Bulletin;” and
$35,000 to Alex Caserta, to promote Rhode Island specialty crop growers and educate consumers about locally-produced specialty crops by working with the Rhode Island Public Broadcasting Service and the Rhode Island Nursery and Landscape Association to develop a pilot television series promoting specialty crops.

In addition to the grants, $40,946 in funding is provided to DEM’s Division of Agriculture, to continue to increase demand and consumption of Rhode Island-grown specialty crops by expanding on the “Rhode Island Grown Get Fresh Buy Local” initiative through produce preparation demonstrations featuring local celebrity chefs at all RI farmers markets and participating roadside stands; updating its RI agricultural display; enhancing the marketing program by making point-of-purchase advertising material available to farmers; and introducing electronic benefit transfer banking to farmers markets to allow federal nutrition benefit recipients to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables. Matching funds will be used to cover non-specialty crops and producers.

RI School Districts Spend 11 Percent of Food Budgets Buying Local Products, According to New USDA Report

Director Coit pointed to Farm Fresh Rhode Island as a good example of an effort that is regularly supported by the specialty crop grant program. Today, Farm Fresh Rhode Island is a successful organization supporting the local food system that sponsors the Farm to School program, which is aimed at increasing the consumption of locally-harvested fruits and vegetables by Rhode Island school students. In addition, Farm Fresh Rhode Island also sponsors a host of farmers’ markets including one year-round market; distribution channels for bringing locally-grown products to restaurants, worksites, hospitals, grocers, schools, food pantries and community centers; and special events such as the Local Food Forum held annually at Brown University.

As indicated in USDA’s first-ever Farm to School Census which was released today, Rhode Island has a very high participation rate in farm-to-school programs, which was reported at 100 percent among the census respondents. The state’s responding school districts spent $1.1 million, or approximately 11 percent of their school food budgets buying local fruits and vegetables. “There’s nothing better than biting into a freshly-picked apple or ear of sweet corn from a local farm, and thanks to the farm-to-school program, students across Rhode Island can enjoy these delicious, healthy foods as part of their school lunch,” said Director Coit. “Plus, more than 95 percent of the responding school districts said they will but more local foods in the future. This is a real win-win for our students and Rhode Island’s agriculture industry.”

Sheri Griffin, co-executive director of Farm Fresh Rhode Island said, “Support from the specialty crop program has created important successes for the RI Farm to School program. All of Rhode Island’s public school districts purchase locally-grown specialty crops, with support from Farm to School Coordinator Kim Clark providing technical assistance to school purchasers and farmers alike. Kim is also able to provide agricultural education programs for students in these districts, with lessons that touch on math, history, business and environmental topics. We are so fortunate to be able to secure this funding for this important work.”

DEM’s Division of Agriculture oversees numerous efforts designed to maintain the viability of farming in Rhode Island, including locally-produced milk, meats and locally-harvested seafood, farmers’ markets, and buy local and agri-tourism programs. “All across our state we can see the tremendous growth of agriculture, from the expanded network of farmers’ markets to the promotion of local foods in our outstanding restaurants,” noted DEM Director Janet Coit. “Rhode Island’s $1.7 billion green industry – and the 12,300 jobs it supports – is a bright spot in the economy of our beautiful state, thanks to growing consumer interest in products grown locally. On top of these economic benefits, agriculture also contributes to tourism, open space, quality of life, and access to local foods and horticultural products.”

November 1, 2013 0 comment