PROVIDENCE – The profile of the food industry in Rhode Island has grown in recent years and the University of Rhode Island is joining the effort to further boost the sector.
“We have the agricultural expertise and the business innovation expertise to help drive Rhode Island’s food economy,” said URI President David M. Dooley in a statement.
The state’s flagship research institute announced Tuesday the establishment of the URI Food Center, an on-campus facility where industry stakeholders can research the industry, connect with others involved in food production, create innovations and educate consumers.
According to the Tuesday announcement, the center is the “brainchild” of Dan Levinson, principal of private equity firm Main Street Resources in Westport, Conn.
Levinson, who focuses on evolving businesses for entrepreneurial philanthropy, particularly those related to the food sector, said in a statement: “There’s a lot of innovation already going on among the farmers, fishers, entrepreneurs, nonprofits and universities, and this new initiative is a great way to facilitate even more. It will create a flow of activity into our communities and the marketplace.”
Designed to be administered by the College of the Environment and Life Sciences, users of the Food Center resources will have access to URI’s agriculture extension professionals, scientists and business experts, explained John Kirby, dean of the college.
URI’s cooperative extension provides classes on food systems and agriculture – including 4-H, food safety, integrated pest management, master gardening and a school gardening initiative – to its students from across the nation as well as members of the local community.
“Our students will have unique opportunities to connect with the industry and get practical experience in the food sector,” he added in prepared remarks.
Over the next 10 months, the school will repurpose an existing facility adjacent to agricultural fields for use by the college. Renovations will include a a food preparation area where produce can be minimally processed for use on campus; laboratory space for the testing of soil, water and other elements; a meeting area for convening stakeholders; and office space for URI’s agriculture extension staff.
Announcement of this center comes nearly 18 months after the state appointed its first-ever director of food strategy, Sue AnderBois, in mid-2016 and 11 months after it published the first strategic plan for food in January 2017. Known as the “Rhode Island Food Strategy,” the report focuses on five food-related subjects: alleviating food insecurity and hunger; making food production more accessible; creating, sustaining and growing markets; prioritizing environmental and economic sustainability; and creating and sustaining the climate for food-related businesses.
Emily Gowdey-Backus is a staff writer for PBN. You can follow her on Twitter @FlashGowdey or contact her via email, gowdey-backus@pbn.com.
