The Shadow
Richmond, VA (VR) – The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is currently accepting applications for the fall round of the Governor’s Agriculture and Forestry Industries Development (AFID) Infrastructure Grant program. These reimbursable grants are intended to strengthen Virginia’s agricultural economy, support small business growth, expand market access for local producers, and build long-term economic resilience in rural communities.
The priority project areas for AFID Infrastructure Grants include 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-grown products. Projects should directly support local food production and forestry while also demonstrating a broad community benefit. Localities are encouraged to work with small farmers, food producers, local food systems advocates, and others interested in building their community’s local food and farming infrastructure.
Applications must be made by a political subdivision of the Commonwealth, such as a county, city, town, industrial and economic development authority, or planning district commission. Grant applications must be submitted by 5 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 30, 2026. The maximum award per grant is $50,000. This competitive grant requires an equal cash match from the locality, with reduced match available for economically distressed localities.
Created in 2021, this grant program has two funding rounds in each fiscal year. The first round is an open application period in the fall, with a target award announcement date of December 31. The second round is an open application period in the spring, with a target award announcement date of June 30.
Please visit the AFID Infrastructure Grant webpage for more information and to view a recorded webinar. Applicants should direct grant program questions to Joyce Blankenship at 804.786.1906 or at joyce.blankenship@vdacs.virginia.gov.
