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News Bites: Chair 2 Launches Two New Flavors / New CCRI Environmental Degree Program / Granny Squibb’s Newest Flavor / Hope’s Harvest Joins Farm Fresh RI / Foolproof Brewing Company Joins Mission Beverage

by David Dadekian July 29, 2022

written by David Dadekian

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

Chair 2 Light Beer Launches 2 New Light Flavors

Chair 2 Light Wheat and Light IPA – New 99 Calorie Offerings from Sons of Liberty

Chair 2 Light Beer, a brand by Rhode Island’s Sons of Liberty Beer & Spirits Co., is making waves with its two latest offerings – Chair 2 Light IPA and Chair 2 Light Wheat. The entire Chair 2 Light Beer line, including the light lager, is 4.3% abv, 99 calories per can, and available throughout Rhode Island.

The light IPA (55 IBUS) offers a bouquet of hop aromas followed by a bright and balanced flavor profile that gives IPA lovers what they’re looking for without weighing them down. The light wheat is brewed with orange peel to deliver a refreshing hit of citrus, but is careful not to be a fruit bomb, relying more on the beer itself to do the heavy lifting.

“We’re very excited to see these two new flavors in everyone’s coolers,” said Bryan Ricard, Chair 2’s Brand Manager. “They definitely fall in line with our simple vision of ‘light beer that tastes like beer’.”

Chair 2 Light Lager, the flagship beer, was named USA’s Best Light Lager at the World Beer Awards in 2021, shortly after its launch. “We’ve taken the same approach with the new flavors as we did with the lager. That’s to make clean, crushable, high-quality beers that aren’t over the top, just easy-drinking,” explained Wil Santiago, Chair 2’s Beerologist. Rhode Islanders are catching on production of Chair 2 has increased to meet demand.

All 3 beers are brewed and packaged at Isle Brewers Guild (IBG) in Pawtucket, RI. “It was important for us to keep this in Rhode Island,” President and Founder, Mike Reppucci, explained, “and Isle has been an excellent partner.” IBG works with many well-established brands such as Narragansett and Night Shift. To follow the latest on and find retailers for Chair 2 Light Beer, visit chair2.com. Or follow on Facebook at Facebook.com/chair2beer and Instagram at @chair2beer.

New Associate degree program at CCRI in “Environment, Sustainability, and Management”

Innovative collaboration with Rhode Island Nursery & Landscape Association and Rhode Island Food Policy Council provides a clear path toward careers in RI’s growing land and sea industries

Environment, Sustainability and Management Associate Degree at CCRI, photo credit: RINLA

Rhode Island needs a workforce that can meet the current and future needs of the state’s flourishing land and sea businesses, which compose a sector that is quickly rising to the top of the state’s strongest economic drivers.

A new associate degree in Environment, Sustainability, and Management created by the Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) is a first-of-its-kind program that will prepare students for careers in these industries – including the landscape, farm and food sectors – and arm them with the perspective they need to meet social, economic, and ecological challenges of the world and of business today.

The development of this associate degree program was supported by a grant from the Agriculture Workforce Development Program of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture.

“This new degree program is a perfect example of industry and policy leaders collaborating with higher education to design and implement an academic and career pathway that responds to labor market demands,” said Meghan Hughes, president of CCRI. “The green economy continues to show tremendous growth in Rhode Island, and CCRI, along with our partners at URI, RINLA, and RIFPC, is committed to providing high-quality, rigorous academic and experiential learning opportunities that will prepare Rhode Islanders for great careers right here in the Ocean State.”

This interdisciplinary program blends science and business; provides work-based learning opportunities for credit; includes courses in Business, Biology, Entrepreneurship, Oceanography, Geology, Economics, Chemistry, and Communications; and positions graduates to chart successful career paths and have important impacts on the social and environmental profiles of the companies for which they work. Graduates will have immediate career opportunities, and can also transfer seamlessly as juniors to the University of Rhode Island’s bachelor’s degree programs in Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems, Plant Sciences, and other programs in the College of the Environment and Life Sciences (CELS).

“The new Environment, Sustainability, and Management degree will educate the next generation of professionals charged with stewarding, protecting, and responding to a changing environment and for producing food for our community,” said Rosemary A. Costigan, vice president for academic affairs at CCRI. “In response to industry need, a number of our college’s faculty created new curricula based in science and business such as Biology of Trees and Shrubs, Food from the Sea, and the Human Environmental Impacts and Ethical Business Practices capstone course.”

The Rhode Island Nursery & Landscape Association (RINLA) and the Rhode Island Food Policy Council (RIFPC) collaborated closely with CCRI and advisors from URI to inform the development of this exciting program of study at the intersection of environmental, social, and economic sustainability; agriculture, food, and ecological systems; business ethics; entrepreneurial thinking and processes; land and resource management methods; and impacts of climate change on ecologies, businesses, and industries.

Shannon Brawley, Executive Director of RINLA and Nessa Richman, Network Director of the RIFPC jointly stated, “This exciting new, interdisciplinary degree program will support the public, private, and nonprofit employers we serve by preparing people to enter these industries by ensuring they have relevant classroom experiences and work-based learning opportunities.”

Fall classes start August 31, 2022. Enrollment is now open. All Rhode Islanders who want the knowledge, skills, perspective and experiences to impact the social, economic, and ecological challenges of today’s world are encouraged to register. Additional information can be found on CCRI’s website: ccri.edu/pathways/paths/environment

Granny Squibb’s Announces New Organic Iced Tea Flavor, Partnership, and Expansion in Massachusetts Just in Time for National Iced Tea Month

Granny Squibb’s is releasing Porter’s Peach with a portion of the proceeds going Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and the Jimmy Fund

Today, Granny Squibb’s Organic Iced Tea announced the release of its newest flavor, Porter’s Peach. Further solidifying their commitment to growth in New England with a portion of sales going to their newest philanthropic partner the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and the Jimmy Fund, and expansion into Roche Bros.

“Porter’s Peach is the first new flavor we’ve brought to market since before the pandemic. It was created from a beautiful story, which continues our passion for storytelling and philanthropy,” said Kelley McShane, Partner and Owner of Granny Squibb’s.

Porter’s Peach was the brainchild of a family friend, a twelve-year-old, named Porter from Aquidneck Island, R.I. In Spring 2020, in an effort to boost morale Porter sent a drawing of his idea for the “best Granny Squibb’s flavor, Porter’s Peach.” During the same year, Porter and his family faced multiple losses to cancer triggering Porter to raise $10,000 for cancer research and paving the way for Granny Squibb’s to work with Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and the Jimmy Fund to help continue Porter’s mission.

“The story of Porter’s Peach and the generosity of Granny Squibb’s company touches us as an organization,” said Alexa Woodward, VP of Corporate Partnerships at the Dana Farber Cancer Institute. “We know that we impact the lives of so many people right here in New England and beyond. It’s through the work of our supporters that we’re able to continue our mission of treating cancer and continuing to research and develop the latest in new treatments.”

Granny Squibb deeply believes in being part of the community, supporting the people around them. Having supported the Jimmy Fund for more than three years, the addition of Porter’s Peach provides the financial avenue to grow their philanthropy in Massachusetts and deepen partnerships as they grow into greater New England.

The announcement of Porter’s Peach and the Dana Farber Cancer Institute couldn’t be timelier as Granny Squibb’s expands into all twenty Roche Bros stores in Massachusetts. Now consumers can easily purchase Granny Squibb’s products and know they are supporting local causes.

“At Roche Bros we are committed to providing our shoppers with an array of local and organic products to choose from making the addition of Granny Squibb’s a perfect fit. We are happy to be expanding our partnership with a company that also focuses on providing the best customer experience,” said Tristen Kendall-Barros, Vice President of Marketing for Roche Bros.

Hope’s Harvest Joins Farm Fresh RI to Provide Hunger Relief Programming

Farm Fresh Rhode Island and Hope’s Harvest are proud to announce that as of June 2022, Hope’s Harvest is officially the home for all hunger relief programming at Farm Fresh RI.

Hunger in Rhode Island is a significant problem that has only increased in severity and scope in recent years. At the same time, local food producers in the state have seen increased demand, but also volatility in markets and challenges due to erratic weather patterns, shifts in purchasing at a national scale, and other national and global forces.

Farm Fresh RI, a nonprofit that’s been working to strengthen the local food system since 2004, has been a champion for local farmers/producers and an infrastructural driver of a re-localizing food system over the past 18 years. Hope’s Harvest, a relative newcomer, has filled an important niche in the RI food system by connecting farmers to hunger relief agencies, promoting food security and non-traditional market access to the emergency food system.

Hope’s Harvest has been an independent but fiscally sponsored program of Farm Fresh RI since 2018. This sponsorship enabled Hope’s Harvest to accept donations and grants under the Farm Fresh 501c3 nonprofit status. Farm Fresh mentored growth at Hope’s Harvest and provided infrastructure support, like trucks and cold storage, as well as a place to call home when the Hope’s Harvest team parked their trucks and came in from the field.

“As our program grew, it became apparent that combining Hope’s Harvest and Farm Fresh models and infrastructure would best leverage our assets and public/private partnerships,” explains Hope’s Harvest Founder and Director Eva Agudelo. “Together we can create targeted solutions for both food insecurity and increasingly volatile markets for farmers. We’re excited about all of the collaborations to come — delivering the highest quality of locally grown food to hunger relief agencies and alleviating food insecurity in Rhode Island.”

What does this change mean for Hope’s Harvest?
By joining Farm Fresh RI’s infrastructure, Hope’s Harvest is building capacity to deliver local gleaned produce to an additional 20 hunger relief agencies via Farm Fresh’s existing Market Mobile local food ordering service. The Hope’s Harvest team will also be administering the Senior Farmer Market Nutrition program and the Local Food Purchasing Assistance program in partnership with the RI Department of Environmental Management.

What does it mean for Hope’s Harvest gleaning volunteers?
Out in the fields, the Hope’s Harvest team still aims to glean as much food this year as ever! They plan to harvest with even more local farms, and encourage the community to join them out in the fields this season. Learn more about opportunities to volunteer with Hope’s Harvest: www.farmfreshri.org/hopesharvest.

At a Glance: Hope’s Harvest for Hunger Relief at Farm Fresh RI
The Hope’s Harvest program at Farm Fresh RI will include:

GLEANING
— Recruiting and mobilizing volunteers to recover surplus food from farms for donation to hunger relief agencies.

DIRECT PURCHASING FOR HUNGER RELIEF
— Surplus Purchasing: Direct purchasing of surplus farm produce for distribution to hunger relief agencies and community partners.

— Contracts for Hunger Relief: Negotiating and administering contracts with growers to ensure a steady supply of fresh, nutritious produce for the emergency food system at competitive wholesale rates.

— Farm to Pantry via Market Mobile: A streamlined system and subsidized purchasing for community partners to order locally grown products for their guests.

SENIOR FARMERS MARKET NUTRITION PROGRAM
— Source and pack locally grown produce to meet the needs of older adults throughout RI in partnership with the RI Department of Environmental Management.

ADVOCACY AND PARTNERSHIPS
— Working with strategic partners in the nonprofit and government sectors to ensure ongoing support for these initiatives as a commitment to supporting public infrastructure for healthy food access.

Foolproof Brewing Company is Now Distributed by Mission Beverage

As of June 2022 Foolproof Brewing Company is now being distributed in Rhode Island by new distributors in the business, Mission Beverage. Mission beverage was started by Kyle Michaud and Nate Costa. After meeting during a fire department fundraising event, Kyle and Nate bonded over their passion for craft beer and began brainstorming ways to collaborate together in the beer industry. Thus began their mission toward starting a distribution company. Mission Beverage officially moved their first case of beer in February 2022. Mission looks to bring the same tenacity to the brands they wish to distribute as they did when starting their business. “We take pride in our partnerships to help grow the brands to get from one level to the next level up,” says Nate Costa.

Foolproof Brewing Company signed with Mission Beverage as their new distributors in Rhode Island in June 2022. Along with this agreement, Mission will also be distributing Foolproof’s sister brands under the Brewery Collective. This includes Shebeen Brewing Company, originally started in Connecticut and moved production to Rhode Island in February. Soon to follow will be the Brewery Collective’s newest Connecticut brand, Velvet Libations, which just opened on St. Patrick’s Day of this year. “We’re focused on distributing in Rhode Island right now and bringing in brands that aren’t in Rhode Island yet.”, says Kyle Michaud, and Velvet Libations will be no exception.

Want to see Foolproof or Shebeen Brewing Company products near you? Contact Mission Beverage and support Rhode Island locally. Email: info@missionbev.co To learn more about the Brewery Collective, visit www.brewerycollective.com. To learn more about Mission Beverage visit www.missionbev.co.

July 29, 2022 0 comment

farms news

R.I. DEM News Release: DEM, URI to host “Transferring the Farm” workshop on March 25th – UPDATED

by David Dadekian February 26, 2013

written by David Dadekian

RI Department of Environmental Management

For Release: March 6, 2013

Contact: Gail Mastrati 222-4700 ext. 2402

“TRANSFERRING THE FARM” WORKSHOP HOSTED BY DEM, URI RESCHEDULED TO MARCH 25TH

PROVIDENCE – The “Transferring the Farm” workshop originally scheduled to be held tomorrow has been rescheduled on Monday, March 25 at the University of Rhode Island’s East Farm. The Department of Environmental Management’s Division of Agriculture, in conjunction with URI is sponsoring the session for farm families. The four-hour workshop will address topics such as estate planning, business agreements, trusts and retirement.

For Release: February 19, 2013

Contact: Gail Mastrati 222-4700 ext. 2402

DEM, URI ANNOUNCE MARCH 7TH “TRANSFERRING THE FARM” WORKSHOP

Session Designed to Help Farm Families Minimize Farm Business Succession Risks

PROVIDENCE – The Department of Environmental Management’s Division of Agriculture, in conjunction with the University of Rhode Island will host a workshop entitled “Transferring the Farm” on Thursday, March 7 at East Farm. Targeted to farm families, the four-hour workshop will address topics such as estate planning, business agreements, trusts and retirement.

The workshop will feature five informational sessions on various issues affecting farmers and their families. The first session, “Getting the Farm Transfer Process Started,” will talk about communicating for success, looking at the future of the farm, setting family goals, and ways to include the whole family. “Succession vs. Estate Planning” will examine ways to assure that farmers’ assets go to their heirs and set up the next farming generation for success. The third session, “Transferring the Farm Tools and Techniques,” will address various economic considerations in farm business and farmland transfers related to income, taxes, gifts, and ownership transfer.

A discussion on how business entity selection, gifting, leasing and other legal aspects affect the farm transfer will take place during the session entitled “Legal Structure and Agreements.” Medicaid and health care issues related to planning the farm transition will also be covered in this session. The final session of the day is entitled “Rhode Island – Estate and Capital Gains Taxes, and Land Linking.” Federal and state law pertaining to estate and capital gains taxes in Rhode Island will be discussed, along with a new program to help farm owners and potential buyers or lessees link to each other.

Featured speakers at the workshop include David Sullivan, tax administrator for the state Division of Taxation, who will address estate and capital gains taxes in Rhode Island. Also speaking will be Bob Parsons, extension specialist with the University of Vermont who has conducted more than 30 workshops on estate and succession planning across New England for more than 1,100 farmers. The third speaker for the workshop is Kathy Ruhf, interim executive director of Land for Good and a nationally recognized leader in farm succession and tenure.

There is no charge for the workshop, but space is limited to the first 50 participants. Pre-registration is required by February 28. To register, contact Heather Faubert at the URI extension at 874-2967 or via email at hhf@uri.edu. Individuals in need of disability-related accommodations to participate in the program should contact Heather Faubert with their requests by February 28th. Funding for the workshop is being provided by the Northeast Center for Risk Management and USDA.

The workshop will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in Building # 75 at East Farm at the University of Rhode Island. East Farm is located on Route 108 in South Kingstown. The entrance is ½ mile south of the main traffic light of Kingston Village. Building # 75 is near the bottom of the driveway and ample parking is available.

DEM Issues Guidance Document on Maintaining Working Farms and Forests

In addition to co-hosting the Transferring the Farm workshop, DEM is taking other steps to assist owners of farm and forest land. The Department has produced a guidance document, Community Guidance to Maintain Working Farms and Forests, to help encourage landowners to create small businesses. Such businesses would provide an economic incentive for land owners to maintain their working landscapes.

Currently, most Rhode Island municipalities segregate business and residential uses into distinct districts. Most business uses of property are precluded in residential zones. The vast majority of Rhode Island farm and forest land is zoned for residential use. While farmers can generate some revenue from the sale of agricultural products, more money is often needed to keep the farm going. The situation is much worse for forest land owners, who rarely can rely on conventional timber products to make a living. Since land values for Rhode Island farm and forest land are among the highest in the nation, there is a constant pressure to sell land for residential development. The conversion of farms and forests to house lots irreversibly destroys the many values these natural resources provide. This practice also adds to a haphazard, sprawling development pattern that is economically unsustainable. Recognizing this problem, DEM saw a need to develop guidance material that demonstrates how towns can revise their existing land use regulations to allow appropriate small businesses without impacting adjacent land owners or community character.

“This guidance material is a resource for towns to use to protect working landscapes,” noted DEM Director Janet Coit. “It supplements existing DEM programs to provide funding to purchase farms and forests and encourages creative zoning such as conservation development and the transfer of development rights, which preserve open space as land is developed.”

A list of potential business uses is provided in the guidance document, along with reasonable performance standards to prevent business use of farm and forest land from becoming a problem in the neighborhood. The guidance also contains a regulatory framework to allow communities to make the necessary changes to their land use regulations to encourage the creation of small businesses. Project manager Scott Millar of DEM’s Office of Planning and Development said, “DEM is trying to show that the key to allowing successful small business and economic development on farm and forest land is the scale and appearance of a use on a given parcel of land – and not the use of the land itself. The performance standards we developed will place reasonable safeguards on land usage to insure that it blends into the community.”
Millar noted that DEM is receiving positive feedback on the guidance from municipal officials. “Communities see this as a win/win scenario where they can protect their community character and encourage more economic development and jobs,” he said.

DEM, in conjunction with the Narragansett Bay Research Reserve’s Coastal Training program will provide training on the guidance material to local officials. For more information and a copy of the guidance document, contact Scott Millar at scott.millar@dem.ri.gov. The guidance is also available on DEM’s website at http://www.dem.ri.gov/programs/bpoladm/suswshed/pdfs/farmfor.pdf

February 26, 2013 0 comment

farms news

R.I. DEM News Release: DEM Agriculture Chief Ayars receives Award of Merit from RINLA

by David Dadekian September 11, 2017

written by David Dadekian

RI Department of Environmental Management

For Release: January 23, 2013

Contact: Gail Mastrati 222-4700 ext. 2402

DEM AGRICULTURE CHIEF KEN AYARS RECEIVES MERIT AWARD FROM RI NURSERY AND LANDSCAPE ASSOCIATION

PROVIDENCE – Ken Ayars, chief of the Department of Environmental Management’s Division of Agriculture, received the Award of Merit from the Rhode Island Nursery and Landscape Association (RINLA) at the group’s annual trade show and seminar held on January 17th at the University of Rhode Island’s Center for Biotechnology and Life Sciences.

RINLA is the leading horticultural, agricultural and landscape business association in the state. Its members include nurseries, landscape contractors, arborists, irrigation specialists, masons, garden centers, turf farms, landscape architects, landscape designers, vegetable growers, cut flower growers, suppliers and allied businesses. The association has a long history of partnering with URI in education, training and research that supports the green industries in Rhode Island.

“Ken Ayars is woven into the fabric of our RINLA community – we consider him to be one of our own,” said RINLA Executive Director Shannon Brawley. “Ken has made himself available to us for collaboration not only in addressing policy issues but also in addressing practical, on-the-ground solutions for green related industry issues and needs.”

The Award of Merit was presented to Ayars by RINLA board member Jean Cotta, who is the co-owner of Portsmouth Nursery and president of the RI Nursery and Landscape Institute. “Ken continues to be this state’s strongest advocate for agriculture and the green industry. He works tirelessly to ensure a future that recognizes agriculture and horticulture as important, vibrant small businesses that are necessary components to a sustainable economy, a better quality of life, and a locally-based food system in Rhode Island,” said Cotta. “Ken is patient, unbiased, dedicated and sincere, and it is both an honor and a privilege to present him with this year’s Award of Merit.”

A resident of Exeter, Ayars has worked in DEM’s Division of Agriculture since 1987 and has served as division chief since 1998. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Zoology, a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture and Resource Technology, and a Master of Science degree in Plant Sciences from the University of Rhode Island.

“I am deeply appreciative of receiving the 2013 Award of Merit by the RI Nursery and Landscape Association,” he said. “RINLA is a progressive organization and the industry it represents has an important role in the state’s economy, quality of life and environment, as evidenced in part by the recent green industry economic impact study funded by DEM and conducted by URI. DEM supports the state’s natural resource-based industries in a plethora of ways, all of which contribute to Governor Chafee’s and Direct Coit’s economic and environmental priorities to move Rhode Island forward.”

“Ken Ayars is the kind of person who demonstrates the value and impact of public service,” said DEM Director Janet Coit. “His efforts to promote and foster the growth of agriculture in Rhode Island can be seen across the state, from the explosion of farmers’ markets to the promotion of local foods in our outstanding restaurants. Seven days a week, Ken Ayars is working for the benefit of farmers and farm businesses in Rhode Island. He makes me proud to be the Director of DEM!”

The 2,500 green industry businesses in Rhode Island sustain 12,300 jobs and contribute $1.7 billion annually to our state’s economy. Farming is an integral part of the state’s economy and provides a valuable contribution to Rhode Island’s open space and quality of life. Beyond fresh and local produce, nursery stock, sod and Rhode Island’s own Rhody Fresh milk, agriculture contributes to tourism, open space, landscaping businesses, and a variety of food-related industries. DEM’s Division of Agriculture oversees numerous efforts designed to maintain the viability of farming in Rhode Island, including locally-produced milk and beef, farmers’ markets, and buy local and agri-tourism programs.

The Rhode Island House of Representatives also issued a Citation to Ayars last week in recognition for the RINLA merit award and for providing outstanding service to the state’s horticultural, agricultural and landscape communities.

September 11, 2017 0 comment

farms news

RI DEM News Release: DEM Hosts RI Agriculture Day at State House

by David Dadekian April 26, 2012

written by David Dadekian

RI Department of Environmental Management

For Release: April 26, 2012
Contact: Gail Mastrati 222-4700 ext. 2402

DEM DIRECTOR COIT, FARMERS AND LEGISLATORS CELEBRATE RHODE ISLAND AGRICULTURE DAY IN STATE HOUSE FESTIVITIES TODAY

DEM Director Releases RI Agriculture and Green Industry Economic Impact Study

PROVIDENCE – The Department of Environmental Management hosted Rhode Island Agriculture Day at the State House today to recognize the importance of the state’s $170 million agriculture industry.

“Agriculture provides numerous benefits to Rhode Island’s economy, quality of life, open space, and access to local foods and horticultural products,” said Governor Lincoln Chafee. “In fact, as the preliminary findings of the Agricultural Economic Impact Study point out, the 2,500 green industry businesses in Rhode Island sustain 12,300 jobs and contribute $1.7 billion annually to our state’s economy.”

This year’s RI Agriculture Day program featured a rollout of the Agriculture and Green Industry Economic Impact Study conducted by URI in partnership with DEM, the RI Nursery and Landscape Association, RI Turf Grass Foundation, RI Agricultural Partnership and EDC. In addition, the event highlighted many ongoing initiatives to maintain the viability of farming in Rhode Island, including locally-produced milk and beef, farmers’ markets, and buy local and agri-tourism programs. Farming is an integral part of the state’s economy and provides a valuable contribution to Rhode Island’s open space and quality of life. Beyond fresh and local produce, nursery stock, sod and Rhode Island’s own Rhody Fresh milk, agriculture contributes to tourism, open space, landscaping businesses, and a variety of food-related industries.

“Agriculture represents a bright spot in the economy of our beautiful state, thanks to growing consumer interest in products grown locally and the impressive entrepreneurial skills of Rhode Island farmers,” said DEM Director Janet Coit. “We are please to see it measured and highlighted in the economic impact study first released at today’s RI Agriculture Day program.”

Governor Chafee Signs Local Agriculture and Seafood Act into Law

DEM Director Coit noted that Governor Chafee celebrated Agriculture Day in the most powerful way he could by signing into law today the Local Agriculture and Seafood Act. The measure increases DEM’s authority to engage in marketing and outreach for local agriculture and seafood products; establishes a state Food Policy Advisory Council; and allows DEM’s Division of Agriculture to administer a grants program for new farmers and organizations that support the growth, development, and marketing of the state’s agricultural and commercial fishing sectors. Sponsors of the Act were Senators Sosnowski, Walaska, McCaffrey, Felag and Sheehan, and Representatives Ruggiero, Handy, Tanzi, Walsh and Martin.

“I am proud of the work of the Senate in passing progressive legislation that supports our agricultural and seafood industries which reflects our firm commitment that we are 100 percent behind local businesses. Protection of our stake in the regional food supply is something that is extremely important to Rhode Island’s economy and its citizens,” said Senator Susan Sosnowski.

“We tend to think of economic development as growing jobs inside a plant or a building, but Rhode Island’s green industries generate over a billion dollars to the local economy,” says Rep. Deb Ruggiero (Jamestown/ Middletown). “One of the benefits of the Local Agriculture and Seafood Act is the state will establish a program to support small farmers, farmer training, nutrition programs, and ensure a sustainable local food system in our state.”

Rhode Island has 1,219 farms, mostly family run, which occupy 61,000 acres. The state has a growing number of farmers markets (50) and other retail venues and collaborative efforts. According to the 2007 USDA Census of Agriculture, Rhode Island was ranked number three in the country for direct marketing sales of fruits and vegetables from farms to consumers, on a per farm basis. Rhode Island also had $6.3 million worth of agriculture sales sold directly to the public, equal to 9.5 percent of all agriculture market sales, which ranked Rhode Island first in the US for percentage of direct market sales. The Agriculture and Green Industry Economic Impact Study that was released during the Agricultural Day program is a more recent assessment of the economic impact of local agriculture as well as what are commonly termed “green” industries (golf courses, landscaping, retail garden centers etc.). The study has revealed a very significant and widespread economic impact, which was highlighted by Tom Sproul of URI.

Large Variety of Locally-Grown Foods Available for Sampling

As part of the Rhode Island Agriculture Day festivities, approximately 50 exhibitors hosted displays in the State House Rotunda throughout the day. Exhibitors included farms, local food purveyors, and land trusts, as well as government and non-profit agencies that work with farmers. Coordinated by DEM’s Division of Agriculture, the exhibits highlighted Rhode Island agriculture and the many organizations that collectively participate in its viability.

Several exhibitors offered food samples, such as stuffed quahogs from Dave’s Marketplace, blueberry cupcakes from Wright’s Dairy Farm and Bakery, oysters from Matunuck Oyster Farm, johnnycakes from the Kenyon Corn Meal Company, egg sandwiches from Little Rhody Foods, Rhody Fresh milk from the RI Dairy Farms Cooperative, Arruda Dairy’s fresh flavored milk, cider from Jaswell’s Farm in Smithfield, fudge from Confreda Farms and Greenhouse in Cranston, Cabot Cheese made with milk from RI dairy farms, Rich’s Sweet Heat sauce and fresh assorted pies from Gardner Pie Company were available for sampling.

Along with Director Coit, participants in the program included Tom Sproul, URI Agricultural Economist; Senator Susan Sosnowski; Representative Deborah Ruggiero; and Sarah Partyka and her father John of The Farmer’s Daughter and South County Farms, Inc. of South Kingstown.

April 26, 2012 0 comment