PROVIDENCE – The R.I. Department of Environmental Management will hold a public hearing on Wednesday, Aug. 30, on the proposed rules and regulations for the state’s new Farmland Access Program.
The voluntary, pilot program was approved by voters in 2014, to help ensure Rhode Island farms remain in farming.
The meeting begins at 5:30 p.m. at DEM headquarters, 235 Promenade St., Providence, Room 300.
According to a release, access to farmland in Rhode Island continues to be a challenge for many farmers and those interested in farming.
The Farmland Access Program allows the department to partner with the state Agricultural Land Preservation Commission and willing sellers to purchase farmland, protect it and affordably sell it to farmers looking for land.
Through a bond measure, $3 million is available to help preserve farmland.
The proposed rules and regulations are available online at www.dem.ri.gov. Written comments will be accepted through Sept. 5 and should be submitted to Michelle Sheehan, c/o DEM Division of Planning and Development, 235 Promenade St., Providence, R.I. 02908.
Mary MacDonald is a PBN staff writer. Email her at MacDonald@PBN.com, or follow her on Twitter @MaryF_MacDonald.
