Ken Ayars, chief of the R.I. Department of Environmental Management’s Division of Agriculture, was recently honored with the Rhode Island Nursery and Landscape Association’s Award of Merit. The award was presented during the organization’s annual trade show and seminar held on Jan. 17 at the University of Rhode Island’s Center for Biotechnology and Life Sciences. Ayars, who has worked for DEM’s Division of Agriculture since 1987, has collaborated with RINLA on policy issues and solutions for green-related industry issues and needs. He was also issued a citation from the Rhode Island House of Representatives in recognition of the RINLA merit award, and for providing outstanding service to the state’s horticultural, agricultural and landscape communities. Ayars holds bachelor’s degrees in zoology, agriculture and resource technology, in addition to a master’s degree in plant sciences from the University of Rhode Island. more

For somewhere between $20 and $75 a year, based on income, a gardener can rent a chunk of Providence land and plant seeds that may blossom into a new way to earn a living. For that small investment, the urban farmer will get fencing, good soil and a water supply. more

Lots of Hope, an environmental initiative to transform vacant city-owned lots in Providence into urban farms, was awarded a combined $100,000 by The Rhode Island Foundation and Florida-based Local Sustainability Matching Fund. more

Ethanol’s discount to gasoline futures strengthened to the narrowest level in three weeks after a government report showed that corn stockpiles in the U.S. were lower than analysts expected. more

BOSTON – The Westport Land Conservation Trust last month received an $85,000 grant to protect 32.5 acres of land tied to Noquochoke River Conservation Project. more

PROVIDENCE – The R.I. Department of Environmental Management said last week it is seeking proposals to farm certain parcels of state land. more

Urban chicken-keeping in Rhode Island appeared to cross from the fringe into the mainstream two years ago when Providence legalized small, backyard flocks, followed by Warren and exclusive Barrington last year. more

The executive director of the Steel Yard is leaving the metalwork art and training nonprofit in the spring to open an urban farming supply store on the city’s west side. more

Local farms increased sales to chefs and grocers by 50 percent in 2012 thanks to Market Mobile, according to a release from Fresh Farm Rhode Island. more

“I have to say, it is a phenomenal year here!” says chef Brian Kingsford. He was waxing enthusiastic about a place where he spends almost as much time as he does in his well-regarded Providence restaurant, Bacaro. The chef starts most days out at Confreda Farm in western Cranston. He picks by hand basil and heirloom tomatoes and works closely with farmer Vin Confreda to select corn, peppers and other fresh vegetables. The close relationship Kingsford has with Confreda is readily apparent when the chef says he wants to have an in-depth conversation “with my farmer” about the bounty of this season’s produce and its exceptional quality. more