AFID Infrastructure Grants

Reimbursable, matching grants of up to $50,000 per grant to Virginia political subdivisions for capital infrastructure projects that support local food production and sustainable agriculture - food hubs, farmers' markets, commercial kitchens, and value-added facilities for processing/packaging meat, dairy, or produce. Awarded competitively through semi-annual (Fall and Spring) funding rounds; requires a 1:1 match, reduced to a 2:1 match for economically distressed localities or projects benefiting multiple small-scale producers.

Applications must be made by a Virginia political subdivision (typically counties and cities, but also towns, industrial/economic development authorities, or planning district commissions). Small farmers and food producers work with their localities to identify and develop projects.

Grants of up to $50,000 per grant to political subdivisions. Awards are competitive, paid out as reimbursements, and require matching funds.

Match: "The AFID Infrastructure Program generally requires that the applicant provide a dollar-for-dollar match (1:1). However, Economically Distressed Localities and/or projects benefiting multiple small-scale agriculture producers are eligible for a reduced 2:1 match." Up to 50% of the applicant's match may be in-kind or "Other Match" funds — locality in-kind contributions, federal grant awards, nonprofit contributions, or Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission funds.

Payment: reimbursement only. "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." The final reimbursement payment is made upon verification of the final grant report and budget close-out form with all receipts, invoices, and backup documentation.

Term: "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" (requested at least 90 days before the end of the grant period). An interim grant report is due one year into the grant.

Limits per applicant: applicants may hold multiple active AFID Infrastructure grants but are eligible for only one grant award per grant round, and must be in good standing on other AFID awards.

Source: AFID Infrastructure Grant Program Guidelines (PDF).

Review the AFID Infrastructure Grant Guidelines, complete the AFID Infrastructure Program Application and budget form, and submit during an open funding round. The Fall 2026 round opens Sept 14 and closes Oct 30, 2026.