Agricultural Workforce Development Programs in Rhode Island

Join this statewide initiative to fight food waste and hunger. Learn how to recover surplus food and strengthen your local food system through workshops and community efforts.

This hands-on training helps veterans and beginning farmers transition into vegetable production with business planning and fieldwork.

Prepare for Rhode Island’s pesticide license exam with this voluntary prep class. Covers application principles and state laws.

Access a wide range of food safety training and resources - ideal for food handlers, processors, and educators seeking to meet regulatory standards.

Explore resources and training for raising sheep and goats - great for small-scale livestock producers and hobby farmers.

The Home Horticulture Certificate is a comprehensive environmental horticulture education program that takes participants on a 14-week educational journey featuring virtual lectures and Q&As on Zoom taught by Extension faculty and staff experts. Weekly “Try This” assignments and a hands-on, practical course project focused on landscape observation and analysis draw the concepts learned in class together, culminating with a project showcase and discussion session the final week of the course. Course content is applicable to the Northeast region, with particular emphasis on plants suitable to Ecoregions 59, 84 and adjacent environs. New and existing green-related industry professionals, homeowners and land stewards are encouraged to participate. Successful completion of all course requirements yields a Certificate of Completion. For more information on the specific topics covered and the in-person, optional field practicum sessions offered, see the 2026 course schedule.

The Invasive Plant Management Training Program certifies land care professionals to provide sustainable invasive plant management services to clients, and to facilitate rehabilitation of degraded coastal and riparian habitats that are regulated by RI law. Nonprofessionals and those working outside the coastal zone who are interested in broadening their understanding of the impact invasive plants have on the environment are also welcome to attend training. Topics covered include the science of vegetative buffers, common invasive plants in the Northeast, overviews of mechanical, chemical and biological control methods, restorative planting and more. See the webpage for more information about the program, for a list of current Certified Invasive Managers, and to sign up to be notified of future trainings.

Explore sustainable aquaculture techniques and business models - ideal for aspiring fish farmers and coastal entrepreneurs.

Learn the ins and outs of ocean farming in this 12-week aquaculture course. Offered online and in person, it covers shellfish, seaweed, and business skills. Great for beginners and professionals.