Blue Catfish Processing, Flash Freezing, and Infrastructure Grant Program

Reimbursable grants of no more than $250,000 per grant, awarded to Virginia political subdivisions to support the processing, flash freezing, and infrastructure of the invasive blue catfish. Authorized under Va. Code Sec. 3.2-312 and administered through the AFID Fund; awards are competitive based on application strength. Priority is given to projects that create capacity near small-scale blue catfish watermen, primarily locally owned processing facilities, projects incorporating existing seafood processors, and projects in the Rural Coastal Virginia Community Enhancement Authority or Planning District 23.

Virginia political subdivisions applying to support blue catfish processing, flash-freezing, and infrastructure projects. Applicants must follow the AFID Infrastructure Program Application format.

Submit a completed application (AFID Infrastructure Program Application format) with the Blue Catfish budget form during the next funding round, by email to Rachel Meyers (rachel.meyers@vdacs.virginia.gov) or by mail to VDACS Office of Agriculture and Forestry Development, 102 Governor Street, Richmond, VA 23219.