Gubernatorial Candidates Discuss Plans for RI’s Food and Beverage Industry at Local Forum

On Wednesday, August 13^th, South Kingstown-based Sons of Liberty Spirits Co. hosted the Food Will Help RI Grow Forum, a panel discussion with the 2014 Rhode Island gubernatorial candidates that touched upon how the candidates will aid the food sector if they’re elected. The event was a huge success, drawing in almost 200 people from Rhode Island’s food and beverage industry for a night of intriguing debate. Drinks were provided from local favorites Sons of Liberty, Foolproof Brewing, Grey Sail Brewing, Newport Storm, Narragansett Beer and Granny Squibb’s Iced Tea as well as delicious, locally grown food prepared by Wild Wood Catering.

The food and beverage industry in Rhode Island is becoming increasingly more important to Rhode Island’s economy. In fact, David Dadekian, owner of Eat Drink RI, stated in his opening speech at the forum that in the last ten years, the food and beverage industry has grown from $1.6 billion in revenues to almost $1.8 billion, and the number of jobs available in food and food-related occupations has increased by 9.3 percent. He made it clear that the food and beverage industry has witnessed increasing profitability while others have had to deal with major losses; however, he also made it clear that Rhode Island is not doing enough to support the food sector.

Many food and beverage businesses run into numerous barriers that make it difficult to start and maintain business in the Ocean State. “Our neighboring states are investing in the growth of a strong regional food system where, by the year 2060, 50% of all food consumed in New England will come from the within the region. Each of these states, except Rhode Island, have made both financial and political investments in food and the food system leveraging state resources with non-profit partner resources,” said Dadekian.

Eat Drink RI, Rhode Island Small Business Journal, Sons of Liberty, Rhode Island Food Policy Council and Wild Wood Catering wanted to bring together all of the gubernatorial candidates to see how they could help break down the barriers to business for members of the food and beverage industry once they’re in office. The six questions asked during the forum came from submissions by members of Rhode Island’s food and beverage industry, and each candidate had 90 seconds to give their response.

Ken Block started off the debate recommending that URI expands its agriculture program. Unlike the majority of the candidates, Block stated he is against state purchasing of local foods and, instead, he believes that the government should set aside a budget for promoting healthy choices.

Next to Block sat Allan Fung. Fung discussed helping startups by creating an entrepreneur seed fund and reducing taxes to lessen the burden on new businesses. When asked about whether he supports statewide licensing for food trucks, Fung took a different stance than his opponents (who all said yes to statewide licensing), saying that there needs to be a balance between brick-and-mortar restaurants and food trucks so that both have a fair chance.

Todd Giroux also discussed reducing taxes for startup companies, but put more emphasis on his plan to add $1.2 billion to the pension fund. Giroux also explained that he was against state purchasing of local food, saying it “sounds like a form of Communism.”

Clay Pell got a laugh out of the crowd when he simply said “Yes” when asked if he supported statewide licensing for food trucks. His two main points during the debate were that he will help build better customer service at government offices for businesses and develop and grow healthy communities that support making healthy choices. In his closing statement, he also mentioned his plans to build a women’s equality program, develop career internship programs for high schoolers, and improve infrastructure in Rhode Island.

When asked about how she would invest in sustainable foods, Gina Raimondo stood out from her opponents. Raimondo has come up with a plan to market Rhode Island as the “Food Valley” to make the state a culinary destination and improve the tourism market. She also has a plan to develop a “concierge service” to assist businesses with regulations, zoning, and other important, but confusing aspects of business.

Angel Taveras brought up his accomplishments as mayor, mentioning how he brought the first culinary tourism conference to Providence, created the successful Lots of Hope program, and started expanding SNAP benefits to include farmers markets. If he’s elected, Taveras said he will clarify regulations, rezone the city, and work with more local farms to provide healthier options for people, especially students at public schools.

Overall, many of the candidates offered well-thought-out solutions that will hopefully improve the food sector’s position in the Ocean State. Dadekian was pleased that each candidate supported the forum: “I was very happy that all six gubernatorial candidates came to a forum recognizing that the Rhode Island food system and economy is important to the future of our state. I also couldn’t have been more pleased with the audience turnout and hopefully the candidates looked out on the packed house and realized how important this industry is to so many people. Food will help Rhode Island grow!”

Mike Repucci, owner of Sons of Liberty, was grateful to all of the sponsors and candidates for taking part in the event and helping to shine a light on the importance of the food and beverage industry in Rhode Island: “The people and businesses working in the food and beverage industry in Rhode Island are just amazing. We were honored to open our doors to the community and the gubernatorial candidates to discuss what we think is a critical component to the future growth of Rhode Island.”

Jessica Wood, owner of Wild Wood Catering and several Rhode Island restaurants, added, “Last night’s town hall is an example of how many small business owners have come together for a greater purpose, and with the help of the next governor, we can keep making these connections to build a stronger state invested in our small businesses.”

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