Business Support

NOFA Rhode Island is an organization of farmers, gardeners and consumers working to promote organic farming and land care practices.
Formed in 1990, the Northeast Organic Farming Association of Rhode Island (NOFA/RI) is an organization of farmers, consumers, gardeners and environmentalists working to promote organic farming and land care practices. NOFA/RI fosters a healthy relationship to the natural world through farmer-to-farmer education, advocacy and technical assistance. We work to increase the acres of sustainably and organically managed land and to provide access to local, organic food for all Rhode Islanders. NOFA/RI is affiliated with other NOFA chapters through the NOFA Interstate Council.

The Carrot Project supports the financial viability of farm and food businesses by providing
information, training, skill-building, and access to capital within a comprehensive support
ecosystem. The Carrot Project's programs serve start-up, early-stage, expanding, and
established farm, food, and fishery businesses—from those accessing land for the first time to
those undergoing a farm transition. Services are free for most clients, with a cost-share for
those above asset or income guidelines.
Their services have a proven record of increasing farm profitability. The Carrot Project provides
personalized, one-on-one advising to help clients meet their business goals and improve long-
term viability. Nervous with numbers or have limited experience? Check out their website,
calendar, and newsletter to increase your financial know-how! Additionally, the organization
offers expert guidance in preparing loan or grant applications, securing loans and loan
guarantees, and identifying the most suitable forms of capital for your needs.

Land & Sea Together is building a network of services and opportunities to reduce stress for fisheries, forestry, and farming (FFF) enterprises, workers, and their families in Rhode Island.

Land & Sea Together is a USDA Grant funded program through RI-DEM and implemented by the Center for Mediation and Collaboration RI. We have pulled together over 25 different organizational partners across the state to build a network of support for the health and well-being of the Farming, Fisheries, and Forestry communities in Rhode Island.
What kind of help can I receive?

A community of a statewide industry leaders ready to help you through a hard time
Confidential support with a RI-based Employee Assistance Agency (EAP).

Consultation for legal, financial, eldercare, childcare, nutrition, career, and other resources
Qualified referrals to the most effective resources in terms of expertise, location, cost and availability
Access to up to 3 free counseling sessions with a RI-based, licensed, masters level clinician (you and your family)

Northeast farmers are one of the most innovative and resilient groups in the country. Often, they test new ideas to see what sticks, whether it be new varieties or varying production techniques. Some of these new ideas can qualify for the federal Research and Development (R&D) tax credit.

In today’s blog, we’ll take a look at a recent U.S. Tax Court case that involved a large poultry operation that can shed some light into the R&D tax credit.

Each winter, the Legal Food Hub runs a free webinar series to help inform farmers, food entrepreneurs, and food and farm organizations about important legal topics relevant to their businesses.

Topics Covered:
Small Business Setup & Taxes
Exploring H2A
Farm Property Insurance
Farmers and Lending Law
USDA NAD Appeals: What Farmers and Organizations Need to Know

The Rhode Island Division of Agriculture is collecting information on farm impacts following the recent blizzard.

This survey will help us understand damage, production disruptions, and resource needs so we can advocate for support, identify assistance opportunities, and communicate impacts to state and federal partners.

Please complete this form as soon as possible. You may submit updated information later if needed.

The Rhode Island Commerce Small Business Energy Efficiency Grant Program is a statewide initiative designed to help small businesses reduce their energy costs by investing in energy-efficient upgrades.

To check if your business is eligible, please visit https://commerceri.com/small-business-energy-efficiency-grant-program/

Please note that applicants are required to upload a no-cost, no-obligation energy assessment/audit of their small business below.

This effort is a partnership between Rhode Island Commerce, Rhode Island Energy, RISE Engineering, and the Rhode Island Executive Climate Change Coordinating Council (EC4).

Seafood is the cornerstone of the cultural and economic fabric of the Ocean State.

Through network building and collaboration, our fisheries and aquaculture specialists connect industry and consumers with the best available science to build vibrant local markets for Rhode Island fishery and aquaculture products through ecosystem-based management practices, as well as continue its commitment to provide training for safe seafood processing.