Section 2-25-5 - Small grants and technical assistance program establishedThe department of environmental management shall establish the local agriculture and seafood small grants and technical assistance program. Through the program the department shall:
(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. P.L. 2012, ch. 37, § 1; P.L. 2012, ch. 38, § 1.