Virginia’s small-scale farmers and local food producers have a new opportunity to strengthen their operations through the Governor’s Agriculture and Forestry Industries Development (AFID) Infrastructure Grant program. The fall application period opened on October 1 and runs through October 31, 2025, at 5 p.m.

Supporting Local Food Systems

Since its creation in 2021, the AFID Infrastructure Grant program has been a vital resource for communities looking to invest in their local agricultural infrastructure. Administered by the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS), the program focuses on supporting locally identified investments that help small farmers and food producers scale their businesses while benefiting the broader community.

What Projects Qualify?

To be eligible for funding, projects must directly support local food production and forestry while demonstrating clear community-wide benefits. The program prioritizes infrastructure investments in:

• Food hubs (new and existing facilities)
• Farmers markets
• Commercial kitchens
• Value-added processing facilities for meats, dairy, produce, and other Virginia-grown products
• Packaging and processing infrastructure

Grant funds are intended primarily for capital expenditures, with a maximum award of $50,000 per project.

Who Can Apply?

Applications must come from a political subdivision of the Commonwealth, including:

• Counties
• Cities
• Towns
• Industrial and economic development authorities
• Planning district commissions

However, localities are strongly encouraged to collaborate with small farmers, food producers, local food systems advocates, and other stakeholders interested in building robust local food and farming infrastructure. This collaborative approach ensures that funded projects truly meet the needs of the communities they serve.

Matching Requirements

This competitive grant program requires an equal cash match from the applying locality. Recognizing the challenges faced by some communities, the program offers reduced matching requirements for economically distressed localities, making the grants more accessible across Virginia.

Application Timeline

The AFID Infrastructure Grant program operates on a bi-annual cycle with two funding rounds each fiscal year:

• Fall Round: Applications due October 31; awards announced by December 31
• Spring Round: Awards announced by June 30

With the fall deadline rapidly approaching, interested localities should begin coordinating with local agricultural stakeholders now to develop strong applications that showcase community need and impact.

Why This Matters

Virginia’s agricultural sector continues to be a cornerstone of the state’s economy and rural communities. By investing in infrastructure that helps small producers access processing facilities, reach customers through farmers markets, and add value to their products, the AFID program strengthens the entire local food system. These investments create jobs, keep food dollars circulating in local economies, and ensure that Virginia-grown products can reach consumers more efficiently.

Get Started

For more information about the AFID Infrastructure Grant program, eligibility requirements, or the application process, contact:

Joyce Blankenship
Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
Phone: 804.786.1906
Email: joyce.blankenship@vdacs.virginia.gov

Don’t miss this opportunity to invest in your community’s agricultural future. The October 31 deadline will be here before you know it.