Urban chicken-keeping in Rhode Island appeared to cross from the fringe into the mainstream two years ago when Providence legalized small, backyard flocks, followed by Warren and exclusive Barrington last year. more

For somewhere between $20 and $75 a year, based on income, a gardener can rent a chunk of Providence land and plant seeds that may blossom into a new way to earn a living. For that small investment, the urban farmer will get fencing, good soil and a water supply. more

PAWTUCKET – Farm Fresh Rhode Island, a nonprofit that supports new models for the local food system in the state, has received a $25,000 grant to fund its market-based, nutrition-education program. more

What is it that when we dine out is both eagerly anticipated and taken for granted? more

PROVIDENCE – The Humane Society of the United States has awarded Sen. Dominick Ruggerio, D-North Providence, and Rep. Patricia A. Serpa, D-West Warwick, as Rhode Island’s Humane State Legislators for 2012. more

Farmers markets grew through the recession like few other retail segments in New England. more

Bristol’s Mount Hope Farm has 127 acres of fields, woods, streams and ponds for walking, hiking and exploring. It has a year-round farmers market. Executive Director Jennifer Bristol, pictured above, came onboard a year ago, tasked with developing a five-year plan for the nonprofit farm. “I’ve talked to hundreds of people and they all have in their mind this picture of what the farm is to them,” Bristol said. “Marrying the visions of all those people to allow them to maintain the experience and support the future and health of [the farm] is what has to happen on our end.” more

WARWICK – The U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service of Rhode Island is accepting applications for Conservation Innovation Grants to stimulate the development and adoption of innovative conservation approaches and technologies. Up to $70,000 will be awarded statewide. more

When Jennifer Bristol arrived at Mount Hope Farm as its executive director one year ago, she walked into a nonprofit long sustained by the good will of generations of Rhode Islanders who have called it among their favorite local spots. more