Rhode Island Division of Agriculture
Chief
Website: http://www.dem.ri.gov/programs/agriculture/ Social Media:
About:
Ananda Fraser Ramirez was appointed Chief of the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management’s Division of Agriculture and Forest Environment in October 2026. She leads efforts to strengthen Rhode Island’s agricultural economy and local food systems while promoting healthy, resilient forests.
Since joining the Division in 2018, Ananda has advanced initiatives supporting the state’s diverse agricultural community, from established family farms to emerging producers. She began as Coordinator of the Produce Safety Program and later served as an Environmental Policy Analyst II, overseeing grant programs and advancing food systems policy to support safe, locally produced food and a strong, viable food system.
Ananda is committed to connecting local agriculture and seafood with markets and distribution systems, including strengthening the Division’s RI Grown and RI Seafood marketing programs. She is also advancing forestry programs focused on forest health, stewardship, and public safety.
Ananda is a proud alumnus of the University of Rhode Island where she earned two bachelor’s degree, and a master’s degree in Environmental Science and Management, with a concentration in Environmental Policy and Management. She and her husband live in Cranston Rhode Island with their two children.
