Business Support

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.

The ideal person for this position will be hard working, have an ability to multi-task as well as interest and experience in the culinary arts. They will be a key support for the farm culinary program. This person will report to and assist the Farm Chef & Culinary Manager in the preparation, serving and clean-up of on-farm meals in support of programmatic events and staff lunches. Additionally, the Culinary Steward will play an active role in the processing and preservation of seasonal produce, and in the execution of seasonal Farm-to-Table events hosted at OHF.

The American Farm Bureau Farm State of Mind campaign builds awareness to reduce stigma and provides access to information and resources that promote farmer and rancher mental health wellness.

Farming is a stressful occupation that is associated with increased levels of anxiety and depression. Multiple studies show that farmer suicide rates are 2-5x higher than the national average. Experiences such as natural disasters, extreme weather events, financial uncertainty, fluctuating markets, labor shortages, trade disruptions and other factors all contribute to extreme stress for farmers and ranchers who often live in a very isolated setting. It is important to break the stigma around mental health challenges and encourage those struggling to reach out for help. To build a sustainable future for agriculture for our nation and our world, we must promote the wellbeing of our nation’s farmers and ranchers.