Large Project Grant

The Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) administers the Local Food System Infrastructure Grant to improve regional food supply chains and increase local market access for Washington-based farms, ranches, food processors, and food distributors. WSDA is a state agency focused on enhancing Washington’s agricultural industry and ensuring the vitality of its local food economy. The grant program is structured to support critical infrastructure projects that bolster the regional food system, allowing small and midsize food producers and businesses to remain resilient and sustainable. The primary purpose of the grant is to fund capital projects that improve local food supply chains and enhance access to markets within the state. The Large Project category, a highly competitive component of this grant, targets major facility upgrades. Eligible expenses may include ground disturbance, structural improvements, utility installations, food processing or storage equipment, food safety and worker safety improvements, delivery vehicles, software, and marketing enhancements. Investments must directly support the distribution, processing, manufacturing, storage, or sale of food grown, caught, or raised in Washington. All expenses must align with the grant’s goal to strengthen market pathways for small and midsize owner-operated agricultural entities and food businesses. Eligible applicants for the Large Project category fall into one of three groups: (1) Small and mid-sized farms or ranches that are owner-operated, based in Washington, and earn less than $1 million in gross farm income; (2) Small and mid-sized food businesses with fewer than 100 employees, whose primary operations involve processing or distributing Washington-grown foods; or (3) Nonprofit organizations, tribal entities, or local governments that support the market access of small and midsize agricultural producers without acting as passthrough funders. Projects must occur entirely in Washington, and ineligible applicants will be disqualified. Large Project applications follow a two-step process. First, applicants must submit a Concept Proposal, which requires responses to narrative questions but not a detailed budget. The 2025 Concept Proposal window opens August 14 at 10 a.m. PST and closes September 25 at 4 p.m. PST. WSDA expects to invite approximately 15 top applicants to submit a Full Application. This second phase requires a full narrative and budget and is only open to invited applicants. The Full Application window opens October 30 and closes December 18, both at the same times as above. Award decisions are expected in January 2026. Selected grantees must complete project expenditures between March 2026 and June 30, 2027. Funds are disbursed on a reimbursement basis only, and all costs must be incurred within the active grant period and appear in the approved budget. Applications that include ineligible expenses will be rejected. Reimbursement requires documentation of the expense, proof of payment, and confirmation of receipt. Reimbursements may be requested no more than twice per month and are typically processed within 30 days. The Large Project grant has a funding range of $200,000 to $750,000 per project, with $2.25 million available to fund approximately four awards. Matching funds are not required. Applications are scored based on regional food system impact, achievability, and budget reasonableness, with specific emphasis on market opportunity, infrastructure readiness, and timeline feasibility. Priority is given to projects with design and permitting already underway. WSDA also considers geographic distribution when making final awards. For questions, applicants may contact WSDA at [email protected].

Applications that include ineligible costs will not be considered. Preference is given to projects with permits in hand or near completion.