The first round of grants made possible by the Local Agriculture and Seafood Act of 2012 were announced on Thursday.

The grants, which are intended to help establish and grow markets for local produce and seafood, totaled $210,000, divided among 17 recipients. More than 90 applications were submitted.

 “The LASA grant program is an important step forward in Rhode Island toward building a vibrant local food economy in relation to farming and fishing. It involves a unique and forward-thinking partnership between DEM, the R.I. Food Policy Council and other important non-profits who are committed to building a local, sustainable food system in Rhode Island,” said Ken Ayars, chief of the Division of Agriculture.

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