When people think of states where farming and agriculture is big business, Rhode Island probably isn’t top of mind. But the Ocean State is home to poultry and dairy farms, nurseries and greenhouses, and aquaculture. And while consumer demand for fresh, local foods has increased in recent years, farmers in Rhode Island are still facing significant challenges that threaten their future viability.

Morning Host Luis Hernandez spoke with Bryan Jones, president of the Rhode Island FFA Association , about those challenges.

Interview highlights

On the types of farms in Rhode Island

Bryan Jones: The average cost for an acre of land in the state of Rhode Island is about $17,000, which is significantly higher than anywhere else in the country. Even with that, we have over 1,000 farms in the st

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