Local Agriculture and Seafood Act (LASA) Grant Program
Forecasted
Local Agriculture and Seafood Act (LASA) Grant Program supports Rhode Island farmers, fishers, and food businesses with production, marketing, and regenerative projects to strengthen the local food system.
Funder: Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management
Due Dates (Anticipated): December 2026 (Application deadline)
Funding Amounts: Up to $20,000 per award; FY 2026 offered approximately $450,000 total and projects up to 24 months
Summary: Supports projects that strengthen Rhode Island’s local agriculture, aquaculture, seafood businesses, and food system.
Key Information: Projects must meet at least one funding priority; 2027 eligibility details are forthcoming.
Description
The Local Agriculture and Seafood Act (LASA) Grant Program is administered by the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management’s Division of Agriculture. Established under the 2012 Act through a public-private partnership, it is now funded by the State of Rhode Island. The program supports the growth, development, and marketing of local food and seafood, with annual priorities set by the LASA Advisory Committee.
The 2027 priorities emphasize producer entry and sustainability, improved business operations, production capacity, expanded markets, and market readiness. They also support farmland access and protection, succession planning, intergenerational transfers, climate-smart practices, marketing and distribution channels, value-added products and processing, and food safety improvements. Specialized regenerative agriculture funding prioritizes practices that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and nutrient runoff, increase carbon sequestration, improve soil health, and strengthen farm resilience.
