FIRE BAN IN EFFECT In response to the continued elevated risk of wildfires, DEM has issued a fire ban at all State Parks, campgrounds, and management areas until further notice. The ban is effective as of today (10/28/24) and includes campfires in designated campfire areas, including charcoal fires and cooking fires. This preventative measure applies to all DEM-managed lands and aims to reduce the threat of human-caused wildfires. DEM will continue to monitor and evaluate conditions to determine when the ban can be lifted. Together we can protect our communities and keep first responders safe by reducing the risk of wildfires: 📞 Call 911 if you spot a fire/smoke. Timely information is critical to contain fires before they spread. 🔥 Remember, any outdoor fire is a potential source for a wildfire. Be careful with cigarettes and ashes. When disposing of wood stove ashes, put the ashes in a metal bucket of water. 🚒 Check with your local fire department for any other restrictions and permitting information. 🚨 Stay informed and find resources at dem.ri.gov/wildfirestatus.
Organic Program RIDEM is no longer a USDA National Organic Program (NOP)-accredited certifying agent as of November 1, 2023. Although DEM will not be certifying organic farms, the Organic Program will continue to support organic operations through technical and financial assistance. Visit our grant page for information on organic certification cost-share and other grant programs administered by the RIDEM Division of Agriculture and Forestry to support agricultural operations. While RIDEM’s certified operations are listed in the NOP INTEGRITY Database under “[---] Transitioning to a New Certifier,” their RIDEM organic certificates remain valid until surrendered, suspended or revoked. RIDEM-certified operations must submit an application for certification to another NOP-accredited certifier by 12/1/23 to continue their certification. Operations can search for a certifier by using the Organic Integrity Database Certifier Locator tool. For additional information, contact Matt Green at the RIDEM Division of Agriculture and Forestry at (401) 537-4273 or matt.green@dem.ri.gov Primary Resources USDA Organic Certification Cost-Share Reimbursement Application PDF file, less than 1mbmegabytes USDA Organic INTEGRITY Database USDA National Organic Program Interactive Map of RI Organic Farms Map of Certified Organic Farms in Rhode Island Additional Resources National Organic Program Organic Materials Review Institute Organic Seed Finder FDA-Ingredients, Packaging & Labeling FDA-Labeling & Nutrition Guidance Documents & Regulatory Information USDA Country of Origin Labeling (COOL) Requirements RI DOH Office of Food Protection ATTRA - National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service NOFA/RI - Northeast Organic Farming Association of Rhode Island USDA NRCS Rhode Island eOrganic - Organic Agriculture Extension Resources Farm Fresh Rhode Island (locally grown food, markets and events) Northeast Organic Network Organic Trade Association Rodale Institute URI Plant Protection Clinic UConn Soil Nutrient Analysis UMaine Analytical Lab & Soil Testing UMass Soil & Plant Tissue Testing Cornell Nutrient Analysis & Soil Testing UNH Soil Testing UVM Soil Testing
Additional Resources National Organic Program Organic Materials Review Institute Organic Seed Finder FDA-Ingredients, Packaging & Labeling FDA-Labeling & Nutrition Guidance Documents & Regulatory Information USDA Country of Origin Labeling (COOL) Requirements RI DOH Office of Food Protection ATTRA - National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service NOFA/RI - Northeast Organic Farming Association of Rhode Island USDA NRCS Rhode Island eOrganic - Organic Agriculture Extension Resources Farm Fresh Rhode Island (locally grown food, markets and events) Northeast Organic Network Organic Trade Association Rodale Institute URI Plant Protection Clinic UConn Soil Nutrient Analysis UMaine Analytical Lab & Soil Testing UMass Soil & Plant Tissue Testing Cornell Nutrient Analysis & Soil Testing UNH Soil Testing UVM Soil Testing