AFID Infrastructure Grant
AFID Infrastructure Grant supports Virginia communities building farmers’ markets, food hubs, and processing facilities to strengthen local food production and sustainable agriculture or forestry.
Funder: Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
Due Dates: October 30, 2026 (Fall application deadline)
Funding Amounts: Up to $50,000 per reimbursable grant; most awards are $10,000–$25,000, with a two-year grant period
Summary: Supports Virginia community infrastructure projects that strengthen local food production and sustainable agriculture.
Key Information: A Virginia political subdivision must apply and provide matching funds, even when the project benefits another organization.
Description
The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services administers the AFID Infrastructure Program through the Governor’s Agriculture and Forestry Industries Development Fund. Its competitive grants support community infrastructure that directly benefits local food production and sustainable agriculture or forestry. Projects must demonstrate broad community benefit, and grant funds should be used primarily for capital expenditures.
Priority projects include farmers’ markets, food hubs and agricultural aggregation facilities, and primarily locally owned processing facilities such as commercial kitchens and meat, dairy, and produce processing or packaging sites. The program is intended to serve local food systems, including smaller, newer, or limited-resource farmers and food entrepreneurs. Projects benefiting multiple small-scale producers or located in economically distressed communities receive additional consideration.
