AFID Infrastructure Grants

AFID Infrastructure Program grants awarded to political subdivisions for capital projects at new and existing food hubs, farmers' markets, commercial kitchens, and other value-added facilities (processing/packaging of meats, dairy, produce, or other Virginia agricultural products). Small farmers, food producers, and local food systems advocates are encouraged to work with their localities to develop projects.

Applications must be made by a political subdivision (county, city, town, industrial/economic development authority, or planning district commission); multi-locality applications allowed with one lead applicant. Applicants may hold multiple active AFID Infrastructure grants but are eligible for only one award per grant round.

Reimbursable grants up to $50,000 per grant. Two funding rounds per fiscal year (Fall, target award by Dec 31; Spring, target award by June 30). Dollar-for-dollar match generally required, reduced to 2:1 for Economically Distressed Localities or multi-producer-benefit projects; up to 50% of match may be in-kind. Two years to complete deliverables (one-year extension possible). NOTE: the live program page lists the contact as Joyce Blankenship, Project Manager, while the guidelines PDF lists Rachel Meyers, Program Manager — the two authoritative VDACS sources disagree; the live page (more likely current) was used but this is flagged for human confirmation.

Submit the AFID Infrastructure Program Application with a grant budget form; reviewed competitively through semi-annual funding rounds (Fall and Spring). Fall 2026 round opens September 14, 2026 and closes October 30, 2026.