Nearly $15M in Disaster Relief Available for RI Farmers
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DEM’s Rhode Island Disaster Relief
Program (RIDRP) will distribute $14,944,632.43 from the USDA Farm
Service Agency under the Disaster Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of
2025, to help cover agricultural losses that were not covered by other USDA
disaster programs. That Act included $220 million specifically allocated to New
England, Hawaii and Alaska for eligible losses including market loss, future
economic loss, poultry loss, timber, farm infrastructure, and other
agricultural damage.
Applications are expected to open the first week of October 2026. Technical assistance will be available to help producers understand program requirements and complete their applications. Check https://dem.ri.gov/ri-disaster-relief for updates and timely announcements.
“Our farmers work hard, but one thing they can’t control is the weather,” said Senator Jack Reed. “This federal funding will help family farms and food producers that were devastated by extreme weather and experienced significant losses through no fault of their own. Our farmers play an essential role in our food network and our economy. This federal disaster relief assistance will help sustain farming operations and ensure the long-term viability of these farms. I will continue working at the federal level to support Rhode Island farmers and ensure they have the resources they need to recover and plan for the future."“Farmers play an important role in Rhode Island’s economy,
and climate-driven extreme weather events are increasingly causing problems for
their harvests,” said Senator Sheldon Whitehouse. “This federal funding
is available through DEM to provide needed financial relief to hardworking
local farmers.”
"Farming is one of the toughest jobs there is,
and essential to our state," said Representative Seth Magaziner. “I
am proud to help deliver this federal relief for the farmers and producers who
work so hard to keep Rhode Island fed.”
“Rhode Island’s farmers work hard to feed our communities, strengthen our local economy, and keep our food system strong,” said Congressman Gabe Amo. “I’m proud to have worked alongside our congressional delegation and DEM to deliver this federal funding and help farmers recover from devastating weather events. This support will help Rhode Island’s agricultural producers rebuild, rebound, and keep doing what they do best.”
“As one of the largest grant programs ever
administered by our Division of Agriculture, this funding marks a
transformative investment in Rhode Island’s farms, aquaculture, and forestry
sectors,” said DEM Director Terry Gray. “At a time when federal funding
for agriculture is facing uncertainty, this investment reflects DEM’s steadfast
commitment to strengthening our local agricultural economy so farmers and
producers can thrive. This is the first time DEM has received this type of
funding directly, and I’m grateful for the hard work and dedication of Rhode
Island’s congressional delegation and our staff to secure this significant
support.”
For RIDRP eligibility, assistance, and application
information, please visit https://dem.ri.gov/ri-disaster-relief.
Potential applicants can submit questions about eligibility, eligible losses,
application requirements, and more to DEM via this form.
For more information on DEM programs and initiatives,
visit www.dem.ri.gov. Follow DEM on Facebook, Twitter/X (@RhodeIslandDEM), or Instagram (@rhodeisland.dem) for timely updates. Sign up here to receive the latest press
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