Division of Agriculture and Forest Environment Permit Application Portal

Fields of red and yellow tulips grown at the farm at Snake Den State Park in Johnston
Dairy cows munching on hay at Breene Hollow Farm in Rhode Island
A group of firefighters wearing bright yellow shirts and hard hats participating in a training with DEM staff to fight wild fires

Launching October 2024, DEM is excited to offer a fully online system for the submission and issuance of regulatory licenses and permits for the Division of Agriculture and Forest Environment. DEM’s Permit Application Portal is your one-stop shop for doing business with us.

System Highlights

DEM’s Permit Application Portal for the Division of Agriculture and Forest Environment is designed to help businesses and individuals eliminate waste, and reduce wait and processing times, making it easier to adhere to environmental rules.

User-Friendly: Applicants can submit, track, and monitor the status, history, and renewal of permits and licenses. 
Convenient: You can submit applications and fee payments anytime using a phone, tablet, or computer. 

Accessible: The system supports digital signatures and  document uploads and connects with payment portals so you can complete applications in one centralized portal.

Quicker: A single online system reduces the amount of time it takes to submit applications, allowing for faster and easier processes that are business-friendly and compliant to regulations.

Efficient: DEM inspectors can also schedule site inspections and provide real-time results.

Improved Accuracy: An automated accounting system to track applications, permits, and related fees reduces the risk of human error and ensures more consistent data entry and processing. 

Environmentally Friendly: Expanding online tools reduce paper waste and support DEM’s sustainability efforts.

The new system will include:

Professional Licensing

  • Animal Dealer Licenses
  • Arborist Exams and Licenses
  • Commercial Wood Operators
  • Boarding Kennels 
  • Dog and Cat Breeder Licenses
  • Livestock Dealer Licenses
  • Nursery Worker’s and Stock Dealer’s Licenses
  • Pesticide Dealer’s Licenses
  • Pet Shop Licenses

Registration and Renewals

  • Apiary Registration
  • Rescue Shelter and Municipal Pound Registrations
  • Commercial Pesticides, Feed, Fertilizer Liming Agents, and Soil Amendment Registraions
  • Exotic Animal Import Applications
  • Fertilizer and Liming Agent Registrations

Notices/Requests

  • Apiary Health Inspections 
  • Intent to Cut Notices

Agriculture Marketing

  • Farmland and Forestland Designation 
  • Vendor Sign Ups for 
  • State Farmers Markets

Frequently Asked Questions

DEM is launching a fully web-based system for the submission and issuance of regulatory licenses and permits for the Division of Agriculture and Forest Environment. Starting October 2024, you can go online to submit and renew applications and permits and schedule inspections and non-regulatory forms. This service is part of DEM’s ongoing efforts to improve customer service, streamline our processes, and expand and improve our current online offering of tools.

Moving to a single, fully online system offers a convenient way for the public and businesses to manage their applications, licenses, and permits. Along with reducing the amount of time the public spends submitting applications, the new system also reduces the time staff need to receive, review, and approve permits and licenses. Applicants can also see real-time status updates for applications in process and directly communication with DEM staff, and receive notifications for when renewals are due. 

Yes. DEM’s Division of Agriculture and Forest Environment will continue to offer guidance and support for customers. Applicants with programmatic questions may call 401-222-2781 (weekdays 8:30 AM-4:00 PM EST) to set up an appointment with staff. The online portal also has quick guides and other training resources along with an email for technical assistance. 

Questions? Call 401-222-2781 (weekdays 8:30 AM-4:00 PM EST) to connect with DEM’s Division of Agriculture and Forest Environment.