PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — Farming and seafood businesses in Rhode Island are now eligible for a portion of $160,000 in state grants to help grow their business and market their products, state environmental officials said.
The Local Agriculture & Seafood Act grants directly benefit and strengthen the state’s local food system by helping new and existing small businesses and food initiatives take root and prosper, the state Department of Environmental Management said in a statement.
“LASA continues to be an important catalyst in growing a wide range of food and agricultural businesses across our state, and we encourage farmers, fishers and food businesses to apply for these grants to help start or expand their operations in Rhode Island,” Director Janet Coit said.
Some of the priorities this year include supporting the entry, growth and sustainability of small or beginning agriculture or aquaculture projects; supporting businesses led by Black, Indigenous and other people of color; and fostering new cooperatives, partnerships and collaborations among producers and producer-supporting organizations.
Applicants, who must be based in Rhode Island, can apply online at www.dem.ri.gov/lasa. The deadline is May 30.
The state’s local food industry supports 60,000 jobs, the agency said.
