[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.

                          ____________________