GOVERNOR CHAFEE, URI PRESIDENT DOOLEY, USDA UNDER SECRETARY AVALOS, AND FARMERS TO CELEBRATE RHODE ISLAND AGRICULTURE DAY IN STATE HOUSE FESTIVITIES ON THURSDAY, MAY 12
Attendees Invited to Enjoy Samples of Rhode Island-Grown Food Products
To recognize the importance of the state's $100+ million agriculture industry, the Department of Environmental Management will host Rhode Island Agriculture Day at the State House on Thursday, May 12.
This year’s RI Agriculture Day program will feature a roll-out of RI Agricultural Partnership Five -Year Strategic Plan, and also serve as a platform to discuss new initiatives around state institutional purchasing of locally grown products, fisheries marketing and promotion. In addition, the event will highlight many ongoing initiatives to maintain the viability of farming in Rhode Island, including locally-produced milk and beef, farmers' markets, and buy local and agri-tourism programs.
This year’s RI Agriculture Day program will feature a roll-out of RI Agricultural Partnership Five -Year Strategic Plan, and also serve as a platform to discuss new initiatives around state institutional purchasing of locally grown products, fisheries marketing and promotion. In addition, the event will highlight many ongoing initiatives to maintain the viability of farming in Rhode Island, including locally-produced milk and beef, farmers' markets, and buy local and agri-tourism programs.
Rhode Island Agriculture Day will showcase Rhode Island's agriculture industry and all that it brings to the state. Farming is an integral part of the state's economy and provides a valuable contribution to Rhode Island's open space and quality of life. Beyond fresh produce, nursery stock, and Rhode Island's own Rhody Fresh milk, agriculture contributes to tourism, open space, landscaping businesses, and a variety of food-related industries. The event will also continue to highlight the statewide “Get Fresh. Buy Local.”campaign.
As part of the Rhode Island Agriculture Day festivities, approximately 50 exhibitors will host displays in the State House Rotunda from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Exhibitors include farms and land trusts, as well as government and non-profit agencies that work with farmers. Coordinated by DEM's Division of Agriculture, the exhibits will highlight Rhode Island agriculture and the many organizations that collectively participate in its viability.
As part of the Rhode Island Agriculture Day festivities, approximately 50 exhibitors will host displays in the State House Rotunda from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Exhibitors include farms and land trusts, as well as government and non-profit agencies that work with farmers. Coordinated by DEM's Division of Agriculture, the exhibits will highlight Rhode Island agriculture and the many organizations that collectively participate in its viability.
Large Variety of Locally-Grown Foods Available for Sampling
Several exhibitors will offer food samples, such as stuffed quahogs from Dave’s Marketplace, fresh strawberry shortcake with farm produced whipped cream directly from Wright’s Dairy Farm and Bakery, oysters from Matunuck Oyster Farm, johnnycakes from the Kenyon Corn Meal Company, egg sandwiches and Del's liquid lemonade from Little Rhody Foods, Rhody Fresh milk from the RI Dairy Farms Cooperative, and Arruda Dairy's fresh milk. Also, fresh cider from Jaswell’s Farm in Smithfield, healthy snack packs from Confreda Farms and Greenhouse in Cranston, Cabot Cheese made with milk from RI dairy farms, fresh ricotta cheese from Whole Foods Market, assorted pies from Gardner Pie Company, and fresh baked goods from LaSalle Bakery in Providence will be available for sampling.
Rhode Island has 1,219 farms, mostly family run, which occupy 61,000 acres. The state has a growing number of farmers markets (40) and other retail venues and collaborative efforts. According to a recent survey by the US Department of Agriculture, Rhode Island was ranked number three in the country for direct marketing sales of fruits and vegetables from farms to consumers, on a per farm basis. In 2007 Rhode Island had $6.3 million worth of agriculture sales sold directly to the public, equal to 9.5 percent of all agriculture market sales, which ranked Rhode Island first in the US for percentage of direct market sales.
The Agriculture Day speaking program will begin at 2 p.m. in the Governor's State Room, and the exhibits will be on display through much of the day in the State House Rotunda. Along with Governor Chafee, participants in the program will include DEM Director Janet Coit, URI President David Dooley, Edward Avalos, under secretary for marketing and regulatory programs at the US Department of Agriculture, Jan Eckhart, owner of Sweet Berry Farm and a representative of the Agricultural Partnership, and Ann Marie Bouthillette, co-owner of Blackbird Farm in Smithfield.
RI DEM Press Release
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