Virginia Agriculture and Forestry Industries Development (AFID) Infrastructure Grant Program

Notice of Grant Availability

Guidelines and Instructions

Application Due Date:

October 30, 2026 5:00 PM Eastern

Administered by the

VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

AND CONSUMER SERVICES

P. O. BOX 1163

Richmond, Virginia 23218

FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION

BACKGROUND AND OVERVIEW

The AFID Infrastructure Program is focused on awarding reimbursable grants primarily for capital projects at new and existing food hubs, farmers’ markets, commercial kitchens and other value-added facilities such as those used for processing and packaging meats, dairy products, produce, or other Virginia agricultural products. Small farmers, food producers, local food systems advocates and others interested in building their community’s local food and farming infrastructure are encouraged to learn more about the program and work with their localities to identify and develop suitable projects.

DEFINITIONS

“Community infrastructure” means a facility that serves (i) smaller, newer or limited-resource farmers, ranchers or food entrepreneurs; (ii) farmers or ranchers using sustainable agriculture practices; or (iii) startup farms and food enterprises

“Sustainable agriculture” means an integrated system of plant and animal production practices having a site-specific application that will over the long term (i) satisfy human food and fiber needs; (ii) enhance environmental quality and the natural resource base upon which the agricultural economy depends; (iii) make the most efficient use of nonrenewable resources and on-farm resources and integrate, where appropriate, natural biological cycles and controls; (iv) sustain the economic viability of farm operations and (v) enhance the quality of life for farmers and society as a whole.

APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION

CONTENT AND FORM

During the next funding round, completed applications should be emailed to Joyce Blankenship, Office of Agriculture and Forestry Development, at joyce.blankenship@vdacs.virginia.gov

AWARD INFORMATION

GRANT PERIOD DURATION

The Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry shall make funding recommendations to the Governor and will determine how and when grant applications are reviewed and awards made.

ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

APPLICATION PROCESS

Projects receiving funding through the AFID Infrastructure Program must be infrastructure development projects that directly support local food production and sustainable agriculture/forestry and demonstrate a broad community benefit. Grant funds should be used primarily for capital expenditures.

mailto:joyce.blankenship@vdacs.virginia.gov

Consideration will be given to the following project types:

• Processing facilities that are primarily locally owned, including commercial kitchens, packaging and labeling facilities, animal slaughtering facilities, or other facilities, and that are primarily utilized for the processing of meats, dairy products, produce, or other products

• Farmers markets

• Food hubs and other agricultural aggregation facilities

Additional consideration will be given to projects benefiting multiple small-scale agricultural producers and to projects located in economically distressed communities.

For additional information, please visit: https://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/agriculture-afid-infrastructure-grants.shtml

SUBMISSION DATE AND TIME

Completed applications must be submit via email to Joyce Blankenship at joyce.blankenship@vdacs.virginia.gov, by 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on Friday, October 30, 2026.

AWARD ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION

AWARD NOTICES

An AFID Infrastructure Program award is a reimbursable grant. Once the funds are awarded, each grantee will receive a Memorandum of Agreement outlining the grant period and reporting requirements. Grant awardees have two years from the award announcement to complete their deliverables; they may request an extension from the Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry for up to one additional year. Extension requests must include an explanation regarding the source of the delay and be made at least 90 days before the end of the grant period.

ACCEPTANCE OF AN AWARD

A signature by an authorized representative of the successful applicant organization on the award letter constitutes acceptance of the award and its associated terms and conditions.

PAYMENTS

Grantees are required to complete an interim grant report one year into the grant.

Reimbursements may be requested periodically throughout the grant period; up to 75 percent of the grant funds may be allocated prior to the end of the grant period.

Upon completion of the grant period, grantees are required to submit a final grant report, including any grant deliverables, along with a budget close-out form including all receipts, invoices, and backup documentation. The final reimbursement payment will be made upon verification of the final grant documents.

https://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/agriculture-afid-infrastructure-grants.shtml https://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/agriculture-afid-infrastructure-grants.shtml https://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/pdf/afid-infrastructure-grant-application.pdf

AGENCY CONTACT

Joyce Blankenship, Virginia Office of Agriculture and Forestry Development Email: joyce.blankenship@vdacs.virginia.gov mailto:joyce.blankenship@vdacs.virginia.gov

AGENCY CONTACT