PROVIDENCE, RI - In an effort to help Rhode Island farmers and the competitiveness of the state’s specialty crops while also helping to create new market opportunities for agricultural producers, U.S. Senator Jack Reed today announced $270,657 in Specialty Crop Block Grants.  Administered at the federal level by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), these federal funds will be awarded to several projects designed to grow Rhode Island's 'specialty crop' sector, which include fruits, vegetables, and horticulture and nursery crops.

The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) and local non-profits will harness the federal USDA funds to expand the availability of fresh, locally-grown produce, strengthen the state's specialty crop industry, and promote Rhode Island grown produce to a broader audience.

“This federal funding is good news for Rhode Island growers and small-scale specialty food producers.  As Congress moves forward with a new Farm Bill, it is imperative that it includes strong support for family farmers and local food networks,” said Senator Reed, who has championed the program in past Farm Bills.   “This federal funding will help DEM promote locally-grown and buy-local initiatives.  It will continue to enhance the competitiveness and marketing of Rhode Island grown produce. It will also help develop effective, sustainable farming methods, training, and best practices.”

In order to qualify for the competitive USDA specialty crop grants, projects had to demonstrate a benefit to the industry as a whole, rather than one product, individual, or organization.  This year’s awards include:

•           $119,588 for DEM’s Division of Agriculture and Forest Environment to expand RI Grown to the retail sector in order to drive the knowledge and consumption of locally grown specialty crops and value-added products made with local specialty crops. The project will focus on expansion and awareness in the retail space, specifically groceries and restaurants.  Additionally, the project will support specialty crop producers throughout RI offering support with marketing, branding, program improvements and access for producers. 

•           $60,351 for the University of Rhode Island (URI) Vegetable Research and Extension program to work with Southside Community Land Trust (SCLT) to conduct research to improve the yields of tropical specialty vegetables grown in Rhode Island, with a focus on okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) and bitter ball (Solanum aethiopicum).

•           $37,526 for Farm Fresh Rhode Island’s Farm to School & Community Education team to pilot a program focused on building capacity for school groups to learn and teach about local food systems and Rhode Island specialty crops.  Students will learn to conduct taste tests using locally sourced fruits and vegetables, educate and engage their peers and school community about Rhode Island specialty crops, and design a service project for both exploratory learning and informed decision-making.

•           $33,478 for Southside Community Land Trust (SCLT) to support 2,800 low-income, low-access neighbors in Providence, Pawtucket, and Central Falls - 400 more than last year - to incorporate more specialty crops in their diets during the 2025 and 2026 growing seasons.  Through the Farmer Training & Support (FTS) team, SCLT will provide outreach and education on pest and disease management to 31 rural and urban farmers growing specialty crops.

•           $19,551 to ensure that the State Agency and sub-awardees abide by Federal and State requirements and regulations by performing pre-award and post-award activities to administer Specialty Crop Block Grant Program funding.

The funding to Rhode Island is part of a total of $72.9 million in non-competitive FY 2024 funding awarded to 54 states, territories, and the District of Columbia.

Senator Reed says he will support robust authorization for the Specialty Crop Block Grant program in the upcoming Farm Bill.  The Senate framework, released by Chairwoman Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) in May, includes increased SCBG funding.  It also includes a series of changes to make crop insurance work better for specialty crop growers, including the creation of a new Specialty Crop Insurance Advisory Committee.