250 R.I. Code R. 250-RICR-40-20-14.5

Current through December 26, 2024

Section 250-RICR-40-20-14.5 - Fund

A. Purposes of the Fund. The purposes of the Fund are to:

1. Assist in the marketing of Rhode Island grown agricultural products and local seafood for the purpose of sale and promotion within the State of Rhode Island or United States.

2. Enhance the economic competitiveness of Rhode Island grown agricultural products and local seafood.

3. Provide financial and technical assistance support to organizations and farmers for activities and programs which enhance the economic viability of local agriculture, and support the development of a locally based, safe and sustainable food system.

4. Provide individual farm grants to small or beginning Rhode Island farmers that support the entry or sustainability within the respective industry.

5. Work with the state department of health to further develop and support food safety related programs and standards pertaining to local agriculture and seafood, and;

6. Perform other activities necessary to facilitate the success and viability of the state's agricultural and seafood sectors, and to;

7. Provide administrative and technical support of the program.

8. Leverage program funds with other potential federal, state or nonprofit funding sources.

9. Develop, implement and enforce when appropriate food safety related standards and programs related to local agriculture and seafood in coordination with the Rhode Island Department of Health and appropriate federal agencies.

B. Small grants program. A non-profit entity or small or beginning farmer may apply to the Department for a grant to be used to fulfill the purposes of the Program as stated in R.I. Gen. Laws §§ 2-25-5(3) and 2-25-5(4). Any grant disbursed under the Program shall not exceed twenty thousand dollars ($20,000) per year. Applications for grants authorized under this section shall:

1. Provide a brief summary of the nonprofit entity or small or beginning farmer's mission, goals, history, programs, and major accomplishments, success stories and qualifications;

2. Briefly describe the proposed project or program, the capacity to carry out the program and who will benefit from the program;

3. Describe the expected outcomes and the indicators of those outcomes;

4. Outline the timeline to be used in the implementation of the program or project; and,

5. Provide a program or project budget.

C. The funds shall also be used by the Department to provide administrative and technical support to the Program, and to leverage Program funds with other potential federal, state or nonprofit funding sources, and shall serve to develop, implement and enforce when appropriate food safety related standards and programs related to local agriculture and seafood in coordination with the Rhode Island Department of Health and appropriate federal agencies. Not more than twenty-five percent (25%) of the funds in any year may be used by the Department for Program administration, training and technical support.

250 R.I. Code R. 250-RICR-40-20-14.5