Home Economy Economic Activity R.I. awards $450K in 2026 Local Agriculture and Seafood Act funding

R.I. awards $450K in 2026 Local Agriculture and Seafood Act funding

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PBN Staff

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04/09/2026

RIDEM — A GROUP OF 25 local farmers, fishers and specialty food producers will share $450,000 in funding from the 2026 Local Agriculture and Seafood Act, the R.I. Department of Environmental Management and state officials announced Thursday.

CRANSTON – A group made up of 25 local farmers, fishers and specialty food producers will share $450,000 in funding from the 2026 Local Agriculture and Seafood Act. The awards announced Thursday at Johnson & Wales University’s Harborside Campus were distributed across various categories, including agriculture, aquaculture, seafood or fishery-based projects, and food organizations. “The

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CRANSTON – A group made up of 25 local farmers, fishers and specialty food producers will share $450,000 in funding from the 2026 Local Agriculture and Seafood Act. The awards announced Thursday at Johnson & Wales University’s Harborside Campus were distributed across various categories, including agriculture, aquaculture, seafood or fishery-based projects, and food organizations. “The LASA program remains a vital source of support for Rhode Island’s local food sector,” said Gov. Daniel J. McKee. “Given the unpredictability of federal funding support, state-led investment is critical to providing stability for our farmers, fishers and food producers, while strengthening our state’s food security and economic resilience.” The LASA program provides grants that directly benefit and strengthen the local food system in Rhode Island by providing funds for projects that help support the growth, development and marketing of state-grown produce and seafood. It has provided more than $3.1 million through individual program grants of up to $20,000, with no direct match required, over the last 12 years. “Today’s LASA awards will help Rhode Island’s farmers, fishers, and food producers expand their operations, improve efficiency and implement sustainable practices,” said DEM Director Terry Gray. “At a time when federal programs that support local food systems face increasing uncertainty and potential cuts, small-business owners face incredible challenges. Continued state investment for LASA is more important than ever to strengthen the resilience and long-term viability of Rhode Island’s local food system and the small businesses that are so vital to our economy.” This year's grantees are:

African Alliance of Rhode Island in Providence: $4,245 to support a new farmstand at Bami Farm and related outreach, promotion and supplies.

Blue Acres Aquaculture in Charlestown: $16,155 for the purchase of a tractor loader that will improve farm efficiency.

Bluff Hill Cove Oyster Co. in Narragansett: $19,475to replace gear necessary for oyster growth, sorting and harvesting, and to reestablish functional lines, trawls and cages.

Center for Mediation and Collaboration Rhode Island in Providence: $20,000 to provide financial incentives to help offset the cost for both farm seekers and farm owners to hire specialists to support their transition.

Dragonfly Nurseries in South Kingstown: $19,877 to boost the state’s native plant supply chain through the purchase of a production greenhouse for ecotypic plants.

East Coast Oysters in Jamestown: $18,000 for 60 new oyster cages to support increased production and direct-to-market oyster expansion.

Farm Fresh Rhode Island in Providence: $20,000 to expand market opportunities for local farmers through the Farm to Food Pantry through bulk purchases and surplus purchases of products directly from farms for food pantries.

Gather Farm in Johnston: $19,500 to invest in equipment and community space.

Growing Hope Farm in South Kingstown: $19,985 to develop a dedicated food-safe wash-and-pack station that supports food safety from field to storage.

Hawk & Handsaw Farm in Portsmouth: $6,350 to upgrade the farm’s greens production system.

Little Compton Flowers in Little Compton: $14,307 to purchase a walk-in cooler facility to enhance post-harvest quality and expand market access for local flowers.

Long Lane Farm in Warren: $18,872 to install an automated tray filler and nursery display rack to support plant start sales and increase revenue during the shoulder seasons.

Lovewell Farm in Hopkinton: $15,000 to support production lab upgrade and organic handler certification.

Lucky Dogs Farm in Foster: $12,739 to support the purchase of upgraded equipment to improve seeding, cultivating and processing efficiency.

Martinez Farm in Cranston: $7,410 to purchase two mobile chicken tractors and expand regenerative poultry production.
Northeast Organic Farming Association of Rhode Island in Glocester: $19,333 to develop trainings through the SMART Farmers Collective to improve the economic viability of beginning Rhode Island farmers.

Parcel of Paradise Farm in Charlestown: $19,800 to replace and upgrade orchard fencing to protect crops.

Rhode Island Association of Conservation Districts in Johnston: $19,811 to develop and host a series of workshops for farm seekers and landowners.

Rhode Island Shellfisherman’s Association in North Kingstown: $11,466 to purchase U.S. Coast Guard-approved safety equipment for association member vessels.

Rocky Rhode Oyster Co. in Narragansett: $19,316 for a tumbling system for processing juvenile and adult oysters.

Saunderstown Garlic Farm in Narragansett: $11,994 to increase production capacity of value-added garlic products through the purchase of a commercial bread oven.

Sumire Farm in Narragansett: $18,183 for a walk-in cooler for a commercial farm kitchen.

Seed to Seed Farm School in Scituate: $20,000 to expand the Seed to Sprout Seed to Seed Farmer Apprenticeship Program by increasing training opportunities from four to six apprentices at host farms.

Southside Community Land Trust in Providence: $20,000 for the Free Farm Stands Project, which supports local growers and community food access.

The Commercial Fisheries Center of Rhode Island in South Kingstown: $20,000 for the Rhode Island Community Seafood Donation Program, which provides seafood to low-income communities.