AFID Planning Grant Program

The Governor’s Agriculture and Forestry Industries Development Planning Grant Program (AFID Planning Grant Program) is administered by the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) on behalf of the Governor. It is designed to encourage local governments to strategically support and integrate agriculture and forestry-based industries into their broader economic development and job creation initiatives. The program also aims to foster innovative efforts by localities to assist these industries and promote the participation of local farm and forestland owners in related initiatives. The program funds a wide range of activities intended to strengthen agriculture and forestry industries at the local level. Eligible projects include marketing and market development programs, the creation of strategic plans, local policies supporting agriculture or forestry businesses, preservation initiatives for working lands, feasibility studies, and predevelopment work. Projects that foster agritourism, local food systems, biomass heat initiatives, or address food deserts are also supported. Additionally, the grant may fund the development of local agricultural boards and entrepreneurship initiatives. Capital expenditures up to $10,000 can be included in the grant request. Eligibility for the AFID Planning Grant Program is limited to political subdivisions within Virginia. A single locality may apply for up to $20,000, while multi-locality applications can request up to $35,000. Only one active planning grant is allowed per applicant, although participation in multi-locality projects is an exception. A dollar-for-dollar (1:1) match is generally required, but Economically Distressed Localities may qualify for a reduced 2:1 match. Match requirements stipulate that at least 50% of the match must be in cash, while the remainder may include in-kind contributions or funds from other sources such as federal grants or private foundations. The application process requires a letter of support from the locality’s Chief Administrative Officer and active involvement of a board, committee, or working group representing agricultural or forestry interests. This group must demonstrate appropriate representation and broad support from the agricultural and forestry community as well as local government backing. Applications are evaluated on project purpose, expected impact, innovation, quality and completeness, local capacity-building potential, and demonstrated community support. Grant awards are made on a rolling basis and are disbursed as reimbursable grants. Recipients must enter into a Memorandum of Agreement and comply with reporting requirements, including interim and final reports. The grant period is two years, with a potential one-year extension subject to approval. Up to 75% of funds may be reimbursed before the project’s completion, with the remainder disbursed after the final report and deliverables are verified. For more information or to submit applications and inquiries, interested parties should contact Rachel Meyers, Program Manager at VDACS, via phone at 804.786.6911 or email at rachel.meyers@vdacs.virginia.gov.

Applications are evaluated based on project purpose, application quality, expected impact on local agriculture and forestry industries, potential for long-term economic development, likelihood of success, community support, and innovation.