Nearly Half a Million in Grants Awarded to Local Farmers, Fishers, and Food Producers

Twenty-five LASA grants totaling $450,000 were awarded for projects across RI to support the growth, development, and marketing of local farms, seafood harvesters, and food businesses.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 8:08pm

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A high-end, photorealistic studio still-life photograph featuring a collection of polished, premium objects arranged elegantly on a clean, monochromatic background, conceptually representing the diverse range of local food products and businesses supported by the LASA grants in Rhode Island.The LASA grants help Rhode Island's local food producers invest in the tools and infrastructure needed to grow their businesses and enhance the state's vibrant food ecosystem.Providence Today

The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) has awarded $450,000 in grants through the Local Agriculture and Seafood Act (LASA) program to support 25 projects that will help local farms, seafood harvesters, and food businesses grow, develop, and market their products. The grants were distributed across various categories, including agriculture, aquaculture, seafood or fishery-based projects, and food organizations.

Why it matters

These grants are crucial for strengthening Rhode Island's local food system and supporting small businesses in the agriculture, aquaculture, and food production sectors. With federal funding for these types of programs facing uncertainty, state-level support through LASA is more important than ever to ensure the long-term viability and resilience of Rhode Island's local food economy.

The details

The LASA grant program, which has provided over $3.1 million in funding over the last 12 years, conducted a thorough evaluation process to ensure the funding recommendations were equitable, diverse, and supported smart agricultural practices and small business development. The final list of grantees reflects the program's commitment to expanding the scope and diversity of its awardees.

  • The LASA grants were awarded in 2026.
  • Over the last 12 years, LASA has provided $3,111,238 in grants.

The players

Representative Teresa A. Tanzi

A Rhode Island state representative (D-Dist. 34, South Kingstown, Narragansett) who praised the LASA program for helping grow a robust, resilient, and sustainable local food industry in the state.

Terry Gray

The Director of the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management, who stated that the LASA awards will help the state's farmers, fishers, and food producers expand their operations, improve efficiency, and implement sustainable practices.

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What they’re saying

“Since its inception, LASA has helped grow a robust, resilient and sustainable local food industry right here in Rhode Island, a mission that becomes more important every year as federal programs that support our local food industry face budgets cuts and continued funding uncertainty on the horizon.”

— Representative Teresa A. Tanzi, Rhode Island State Representative (D-Dist. 34, South Kingstown, Narragansett)

“Today's LASA awards will help Rhode Island's farmers, fishers, and food producers expand their operations, improve efficiency, and implement sustainable practices. At a time when federal programs that support local food systems face increasing uncertainty and potential cuts, small business owners face incredible challenges. Continued state investment for LASA is more important than ever to strengthen the resilience and long-term viability of Rhode Island's local food system and the small businesses that are so vital to our economy.”

— Terry Gray, Director, Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management

What’s next

The LASA grant program will continue to provide funding and support for local farms, seafood harvesters, and food businesses in Rhode Island in the coming years.

The takeaway

The LASA grant program is playing a crucial role in supporting the growth and resilience of Rhode Island's local food economy, especially as federal funding for these types of initiatives faces uncertainty. By investing in small businesses across the agriculture, aquaculture, and food production sectors, the state is helping to strengthen food security, promote sustainable practices, and boost the local economy.