DEM Director Coit noted that Governor Chafee celebrated Agriculture Day in the most powerful way he could by signing into law the Local Agriculture and Seafood Act. The measure increases DEM's authority to engage in marketing and outreach for local agriculture and seafood products; establishes a state Food Policy Advisory Council; and allows DEM's Division of Agriculture to administer a grants program for new farmers and organizations that support the growth, development, and marketing of the state's agricultural and commercial fishing sectors. Sponsors of the Act were Senators Sosnowski, Walaska, McCaffrey, Felag and Sheehan, and Representatives Ruggiero, Handy, Tanzi, Walsh and Martin.
"I am proud of the work of the Senate in passing progressive legislation that supports our agricultural and seafood industries which reflects our firm commitment that we are 100 percent behind local businesses. Protection of our stake in the regional food supply is something that is extremely important to Rhode Island's economy and its citizens," said Senator Susan Sosnowski.
"We tend to think of economic development as growing jobs inside a plant or a building, but Rhode Island's green industries generate over a billion dollars to the local economy," says Rep. Deb Ruggiero (Jamestown/ Middletown). "One of the benefits of the Local Agriculture and Seafood Act is the state will establish a program to support small farmers, farmer training, nutrition programs, and ensure a sustainable local food system in our state."
Rhode Island has 1,219 farms, mostly family run, which occupy 61,000 acres. The state has a growing number of farmers markets (50) and other retail venues and collaborative efforts. According to the 2007 USDA Census of Agriculture, Rhode Island was ranked number three in the country for direct marketing sales of fruits and vegetables from farms to consumers, on a per farm basis. Rhode Island also had $6.3 million worth of agriculture sales sold directly to the public, equal to 9.5 percent of all agriculture market sales, which ranked Rhode Island first in the US for percentage of direct market sales. The Agriculture and Green Industry Economic Impact Study that was released during the Agricultural Day program is a more recent assessment of the economic impact of local agriculture as well as what are commonly termed "green" industries (golf courses, landscaping, retail garden centers etc.). The study has revealed a very significant and widespread economic impact, which was highlighted by Tom Sproul of URI.
Source: RI Department of Environmental Management