Rhode Island § 2-25-5 - The Rhode Island Local Agriculture and Seafood Act

§ 2-25-5. Small grants and technical assistance program established.

The department of environmental management shall establish the local agriculture and seafood small grants and technical assistance program. Through the program the department shall: (1) Assist in the marketing of Rhode Island grown agricultural products and local seafood for the purpose of sale and promotion within the state of Rhode Island or United States; (2) Enhance the economic competitiveness of Rhode Island grown agricultural products and local seafood; (3) Provide financial and technical assistance support to organizations and farmers for activities and programs which enhance the economic viability of local agriculture, and support the development of a locally based, safe and sustainable food system; (4) Provide individual farm grants to small or beginning Rhode Island farmers that support the entry or sustainability within the respective industry; (5) Work with the state department of health to further develop and support food safety related programs and standards pertaining to local agriculture and seafood; and (6) Perform other activities necessary to facilitate the success and viability of the state’s agricultural and seafood sectors.