Ag Business Development & Assistance

Free Water Quality Testing Available to Registered Produce Farms

The RI Produce Safety Program is offering free agricultural water testing to registered farms interested in learning more about their water quality. Online farm registration is required and can be accessed at https://producefarmregistration.ri.gov/Registration. Our program staff will assist in sample collection, drop off the samples for analysis and deliver your results, providing technical assistance along the way. Our goal is to empower growers with the knowledge and tools to proactively manage agricultural water quality, both in the field and during post-harvest activities. Safe water helps grow safe, quality produce.

What we offer.

RI DEM Division of Agriculture will cover the cost of two water tests per water source on your farm. Water sources include both groundwater (wells) and surface water (ponds). All water samples will be tested for levels of generic E. Coli. Water samples are brought to the RI Department of Health lab for analysis. Our program will receive lab results and pass them on to you, along with any recommendations.

We will come to you.

Our field staff are available to provide on-farm technical assistance including:

• Water sample collection
• Environmental risk assessment
• Water result analysis
• GAP/PSR Compliance

Schedule a test.

Water testing is now being scheduled for the 2023 season. Testing appointments will be offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays from June 6 to October 27, 2023.

Make an appointment

Agricultural producers who are moving equipment over the road may be required to first get a permit through the RI Department of Transportation. Please find more information on permits and whether a permit is required by going to this site.  If you have looked at the information on this site and are unclear whether a permit is required please contact Samuel Hawkes at Samuel.Hawkes@dot.ri.gov  or (401) 563-4582 with any questions. Visit the RIDOT permitting website at https://www.ri.gov/DOT/osow/

If you would like to receive a list of public Rhode Island State Funding Opportunities via email on a weekly basis, please enter your organization name & email address in the form linked and click Submit. This includes all state funding opportunities, not just agriculture.

Flooding presents a range of challenges for food growers and processors—including how to ensure safe food production. Producers can refer to the resources provided when understanding how to respond to flooding, including federal guidance, assessing risk, decision support, and food handling and processing recommendations. View Flooding Resources