KINGSTON, R.I. – July 29, 2026 – A new research project at the University of Rhode Island looks to map how Rhode Island food moves from farms to buyers by creating a food flow map of farmers’ production and distribution networks, linking it to where consumers purchase food.

The research will also assess producer and consumer awareness and use of the “RI Grown” label, launched in 2009 to distinguish and encourage consumers and wholesale buyers to purchase more products grown in the Ocean State.

The new survey will analyze the program’s perceived value, benefits and costs through a short online consumer survey and in-person interviews with Rhode Island farmers. Simona Trandafir, an associate professor in URI’s Department of Environmental and Natural Resource Economics, is overseeing the survey, working with colleague Patrick Baur, undergraduate Sara Hill, graduate student Carolyn Hirshon, and URI alumna Natalie Meyer M’22.

“We’re collecting preliminary input to help refine the design of an upcoming online consumer survey and producer interviews,” Trandafir said.

An environmental economist who began her career as an engineer, Trandafir brings a systems perspective to her work. She focuses on sustainable food consumption, with much of her work exploring private and public overlap. She’s also completed projects for the Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources examining energy trends in the state.

Anyone interested in food in Rhode Island—whether as a maker, buyer or consumer—can help her team’s research by taking a brief survey, which will ask questions about local food purchasing habits and connections to Rhode Island’s local food sector. The survey asks takers about where they purchase Rhode Island-grown food, if consumers take notice of the RI Grown label, and about barriers that the state’s local food system faces.

“RI Grown has the opportunity to strengthen Rhode Island’s agriculture and aquaculture industries by connecting consumers with fresh, local products and the people behind them. This survey will help us better understand consumers,” said Ananda Fraser ’10 ’12, DEM’s Acting Chief of Division Agriculture and Forest Environment. “The program aims to elevate awareness of Rhode Island’s array of locally grown, harvested, or food raised in Rhode Island while supporting a more resilient and sustainable local food system. By promoting trusted local sourcing and community engagement, RI Grown is an investment in the state’s economy, environment, and food future.”

The new study comes as part of an ongoing effort at URI to encourage New England’s food self-sufficiency so that more food consumed in the region is locally produced. The survey is open to participants across Rhode Island.

Take the survey here. To learn more about the research or share feedback, contact Simona Trandafir at simona@uri.edu.