Floor SpeechNeutral2026-04-22

TRIBUTE TO KEN AYARS

EnvironmentAgriculture

Context

On 2026-04-22, Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) delivered a floor speech titled "TRIBUTE TO KEN AYARS" in the Senate. The speech addressed the environment and also covered agriculture. It referenced legislation including S1931, S1932.

Full Text

TRIBUTE TO KEN AYARS

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 71 (Wednesday, April 22, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 71 (Wednesday, April 22, 2026)] [Senate] [Pages S1931-S1932] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] TRIBUTE TO KEN AYARS Mr. REED. Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to Ken Ayars, an extraordinary public servant, who is retiring from the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management after 39 years of service, including 28 years as the chief of the division of agriculture and forest environment. In an industry where Rhode Island's small specialty crop growers face tremendous challenges, Ken has been an advocate for growers, helping them stay in business and ensuring that their farmland can remain in production for generations to come. His extraordinary patience and even-keeled demeanor have undoubtedly contributed to his ability to work effectively with a wide range of stakeholders. And after nearly four decades of dedicated service, Ken has left an enduring mark on Rhode Island's agricultural landscape, both figuratively and literally. Indeed, by working closely with farmers and producers across the State, Ken has been instrumental in preserving farmland and safeguarding it from development, ensuring that agriculture remains a vital part of Rhode Island's future. Overseeing the Farmland Preservation Program, Ken helped create a pathway for farmers to maintain ownership of their land while permanently protecting it for agricultural use. His leadership has helped protect thousands of acres and strengthened the long-term viability of farming in the State. To help farmers sell their produce, Ken helped strengthen Rhode Island's network of farmers markets and initiated the RI Grown marketing campaign. And under Ken's leadership, Rhode Island emerged as a national leader in cultivating the next generation of farmers. According to the USDA Census of Agriculture, the State achieved the highest percentage of new and beginning farmers in the country, with more than 40 percent of its farmers falling into this category, a testament to his commitment to supporting and sustaining the agricultural community. As Rhode Island's chief of agriculture, Ken has guided farmers through tough times, from damaging [[Page S1932]] storms, to high fuel and fertilizer costs, to a global pandemic. During the COVID-19 pandemic, when hunger in Rhode Island jumped by 41 percent in a matter of months and local growers could not market their goods, Ken played a pivotal role in connecting residents with local producers. As supply chain disruptions led many to seek food closer to home, Ken saw the opportunity to build stronger ties between consumers and fresh, locally produced food from local farms and fisheries. In addition, Ken guided the State through public health challenges affecting the farming industry, including efforts to monitor and respond to mosquito-borne illnesses such as Eastern equine encephalitis, EEE; the West Nile virus; and bird flu. Ken Ayars' career has been marked by a special dedication. He listened to farmers and responded to their needs with commonsense solutions that benefit the whole community. I join people across Rhode Island in thanking Ken for his work and distinguished service to our State. I wish him and his family all the best as he embarks on his next chapter. ____________________

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TRIBUTE TO KEN AYARS Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 71 (Wednesday, April 22, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 71 (Wednesday, April 22, 2026)] [Senate] [Pages S1931-S1932] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] TRIBUTE TO KEN AYARS Mr. REED. Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to Ken Ayars, an extraordinary public servant, who is retiring from the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management after 39 years of service, including 28 years as the chief of the division of agriculture and forest environment. In an industry where Rhode Island's small specialty crop growers face tremendous challenges, Ken has been an advocate for growers, helping them stay in business and ensuring that their farmland can remain in production for generations to come. His extraordinary patience and even-keeled demeanor have undoubtedly contributed to his ability to work effectively with a wide range of stakeholders. And after nearly four decades of dedicated service, Ken has left an enduring mark on Rhode Island's agricultural landscape, both figuratively and literally. Indeed, by working closely with farmers and producers across the State, Ken has been instrumental in preserving farmland and safeguarding it from development, ensuring that agriculture remains a vital part of Rhode Island's future. Overseeing the Farmland Preservation Program, Ken helped create a pathway for farmers to maintain ownership of their land while permanently protecting it for agricultural use. His leadership has helped protect thousands of acres and strengthened the long-term viability of farming in the State. To help farmers sell their produce, Ken helped strengthen Rhode Island's network of farmers markets and initiated the RI Grown marketing campaign. And under Ken's leadership, Rhode Island emerged as a national leader in cultivating the next generation of farmers. According to the USDA Census of Agriculture, the State achieved the highest percentage of new and beginning farmers in the country, with more than 40 percent of its farmers falling into this category, a testament to his commitment to supporting and sustaining the agricultural community. As Rhode Island's chief of agriculture, Ken has guided farmers through tough times, from damaging [[Page S1932]] storms, to high fuel and fertilizer costs, to a global pandemic. During the COVID-19 pandemic, when hunger in Rhode Island jumped by 41 percent in a matter of months and local growers could not market their goods, Ken played a pivotal role in connecting residents with local producers. As supply chain disruptions led many to seek food closer to home, Ken saw the opportunity to build stronger ties between consumers and fresh, locally produced food from local farms and fisheries. In addition, Ken guided the State through public health challenges affecting the farming industry, including efforts to monitor and respond to mosquito-borne illnesses such as Eastern equine encephalitis, EEE; the West Nile virus; and bird flu. Ken Ayars' career has been marked by a special dedication. He listened to farmers and responded to their needs with commonsense solutions that benefit the whole community. I join people across Rhode Island in thanking Ken for his work and distinguished service to our State. I wish him and his family all the best as he embarks on his next chapter. ____________________