Our Work

Policy

Advocacy is for All

When policy and regulatory change are called for, the RI Food Policy Council acts as both a forum for issues and a platform for coordinated action. Our policy work is grounded in our vision of a just and resilient food system — one in which all Rhode Islanders have enough to eat and our local farm, fish, and food businesses are thriving.

The Council’s annual legislative priorities are based on members’ interests and advocacy goals. Work groups discuss policy priorities at the beginning of the Council year (Summer), and are officially set each Fall using a modified consensus decision-making process. For the rest of the year (through June) we work to educate and advocate for them. 

We want to work with Rhode Islanders who want to promote good food policy and strengthen the capacity of our local and regional food system. Learn more.

The Rhode Island Food Policy Bill Tracker is a reference, covering all legislation affecting the Rhode Island food system and all topics of interest to Council Members. The Tracker is updated daily during the legislative session (January-June), and organized by major impact areas.

Latest Updates

JUNE 16

The 2023 Rhode Island Legislative Session is adjourned. Read RIFPC’s Legislative Wrap Up and Work Group Wrap Up to learn about the bills we tracked this session and the advocacy of our council members.

MAY 9

RIFPC submits letter of SUPPORT for Senate Bill 862: Defining urban and small farmers and exempting them farmers from sales taxes, real, tangible, and personal property taxes, and income taxes.

APRIL 26

Advocating for Food Waste Ban & Food Donation Tax incentive legislation

APRIL 5

RIFPC submits Letter of Support for Gov. McKee’s FY 2024 budget, with request for $5M reserve for farmland preservation

MARCH 22

RIFPC joins American Farmland Trust and over 135 other organizations in signing Letter of Support urging legislators to include dedicated funding in the Farm Bill for one-to-one business technical assistance (BTA) for small and midsized farm and food businesses

MARCH 8

RIFPC hosts Legislative Roundtable: Preserve our Farms

RIFPC Farm Bill Priorities (PDF)

MARCH 7

RIFPC hosts Legislative Roundtable: Healthy School Meals for All

RI General Assembly News

MARCH 2

RIFPC hosts Legislative Roundtable: Tax Incentives for Wasted Food Solutions

FEBRUARY 21

Governor McKee, DEM, Legislators Announce Commitment to Grant Program Helping Grow Agricultural, Seafood Businesses

JANUARY 19

Governor McKee Files FY24 “RI Ready” Budget

 

OUR POLICY PRIORITIES

Here’s what the state needs to do to create a more just and resilient food system by 2030.

Preserve and protect agricultural land

Rhode Island farmers steward 56,000 acres of farmland. In the 20 years from 1997-2017, over 9000 acres of farmland were lost, over an acre each day.
Ensure access to affordable, culturally-appropriate food for all people
One in six households in RI is experiencing food insecurity, a number that is double what it was before the COVID-19 pandemic.
Promote climate-smart, environmentally sustainable practices
If decision makers do not adequately address climate change, our food system will be negatively affected in myriad ways.
Support a vibrant and just local food economy
Rhode Island has many advantages when it comes to developing local food as an economic driver.
Preserve and support commercial fisheries
The fisheries and commercial seafood sector, which includes commercial fishing and shellfishing as well as wholesale seafood dealers and other related businesses, is a critically important part of Rhode Island’s economy.

Click here for our 2023-2030 Policy Recommendations for Elected Officials.

The Council welcomes opportunities to discuss these priorities. Please reach out.

Your legislators are listening! Do you want to make your voice heard at the State House?