One of the treasures of New England, although often unheralded, is its agriculture. Fortunately, there are a number of efforts throughout the region increase public awareness of its presence and importance. Many of these efforts are designed to encourage residents to buy and use products produced locally.
One such example is Rhode Island Agriculture Day, which is being hosted by the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management at the State House on Thursday, 12 May, in order to recognize the importance of Rhode Island’s $100+ million agriculture industry.
This year's RI Agriculture Day program is designed to feature the presentation of a Five-Year Strategic Plan for Rhode Island’s Agriculture developed by the Rhode Island Agricultural Partnership. Also planned are the discussion of new initiatives related to state institutional purchasing of locally grown products, fisheries marketing, and promotion. In addition, the event is designed to 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 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 U.S. 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 U.S. for percentage of direct market sales.
For more information about Rhode Island Agriculture Day, please visit:
RIDEM: Rhode Island Agriculture Day 2011
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