PROVIDENCE – State officials announced this week awards of $486,000 in funding for projects that will support the growth, development, and marketing of local farms, seafood harvesters, and food businesses, including grants to two northern Rhode Island businesses.
Local Agriculture and Seafood Act grantees were announced at at Farm Fresh Rhode Island in Providence with nearly $20,000 each to help production at Grateful Bee Apiary in North Smithfield and Stonehenge Farm in Pascoag. The funding aims to support small businesses and enhance Rhode Island’s food security.
The LASA program was established in 2012 by the General Assembly and is managed by the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management. Designed to support the growth and success of small food businesses in Rhode Island. The program prioritizes building capacity for markets connecting local farms and fishers with food-insecure communities and supporting agriculture producers and fishers along with the development of small food enterprises. Over the last 12 years, LASA has provided $3,111,238 through individual program grants up to $20,000 with no direct match required.
In this grant round, 33 awards were distributed across various categories, including agriculture, aquaculture, seafood or fishery-based projects, and farmers’ markets that support these sectors.
The Grateful Bee Apiary was awarded $19,533 to double honey production and enhance processing capabilities. A release on the award noted that the funding will increase local honey availability, improve food safety, and strengthen partnerships with Rhode Island farms through pollination services and market access.
Pascoag-based Stonehenge Farm has received $19,888 to upgrade equipment used for cold storage to more effectively produce, store, and sell a greater quantity of food on site. The 90 acre farm is run by Deborah Yablonski who previously managed the annual Burrillville Farmers Markets where she sells Stonehenge products including herbs, produce, baked good, jams, eggs and more.
“The LASA program remains a vital source of support for Rhode Island’s local food industry,” said Gov. Dan McKee in announcing the awards. “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 competitive grant program directly benefits RI’s local food system by providing funding for projects that help support the growth, development, and marketing of RI Grown produce and RI Seafood. Grant applications were evaluated with the goal of ensuring that funding recommendations were equitable and diverse, considering factors such as environmental justice alongside scores. The final list of grantees reflects the program’s commitment to expanding the scope and diversity of its awardees, according to a release on the awards.
“Today’s LASA awards will continue to help Rhode Island’s farmers, fishers, and food producers expand their operations, increase efficiency, and implement sustainable practices,” said DEM Director Terry Gray. “As federal programs supporting local food systems face uncertainty and cuts, continued state support for LASA is crucial for the resilience of Rhode Island’s local food system.”
Editor’s note: A previous version of this article identified Yablonski as manager of the Burrillville Farmers Market, a position she held for several years.
I,Deborah Yablonski, am very grateful to receive this grant to increase our farm’s production & ensure its sustainability.
Khaelan Tucker is the present Burrillville Farmers Market Manager.
I managed this market for many years, but handed over the reigns to the very capable hands of Khaelan Tucker, of Liberty Farm, a year ago.
We are excited to increase productivity
& increase the availability of healthy food to all.
We are both Burrillville Farmers Market vendors & encourage everyone to support our local food system.