Rhode Island has opened applications for nearly $15 million in agricultural disaster assistance and will begin a separate local food-system grant round Oct. 15, the Department of Environmental Management announced Oct. 5.
The disaster program will distribute $14,944,632.43 in federal funding for eligible farmers and agricultural producers affected by weather events in 2023 and 2024. It is intended to cover losses not covered by other U.S. Department of Agriculture disaster programs.
The first application round closes Dec. 30. A second round is expected to open in late February 2027.
Separately, the Local Agriculture and Seafood Act program has $500,000 available for grants of up to $20,000. Applications open Oct. 15 and close Dec. 4. Eligible applicants include farmers, businesses, individuals and nonprofits working to strengthen the local food system.
That round prioritizes second-generation farmers and succession planning. It also includes $50,000 for regenerative agriculture, farming practices intended to rebuild soil health and related resources.
Sources
Rhode Island DEM funding announcement, Oct. 5, 2026
Rhode Island Disaster Relief Program eligibility and application materials