For farmers in the Appalachian Highlands, February isn’t just about preparing for the thaw—it’s about securing the funding that will fuel your season. The Rural Advancement Foundation International (RAFI-USA) has announced its 2026 Grant Cycle, and if you’re in the Appalachian Highlands Region, you should pay attention. Application windows are short, competition is fierce, and the opportunities are significant.
Here is your guide to the RAFI-USA offerings for 2026, along with a roundup of other crucial funding sources to keep on your radar
The Main Event: RAFI-USA 2026 Grant List Announced
RAFI-USA has long supported farmers in the Southeast. Building on that legacy, they are offering three distinct tracks this year. Crucially, these are direct grants rather than loans, therefore, you do not need to repay them.
Beginning Farmer Stipends
For the new guard, building their foundation.
Status: Eligibility Quiz Opens Monday (February 9, 2026)
The Window: February 9, 2026 – March 9, 2026 (Closes at 12:00 p.m. EST)
Who Is Eligible?
- Farmers with 3 years or less of experience owning and operating a farm.
- You must operate in the Southeast (including VA, TN, NC, KY, WV).
What It’s For:
These stipends lower the barrier to entry. They cover start-up costs, production expenses, or equipment needs. Think walk-in cooler components, seeds for the season, or a down payment on a tractor.
Reporter’s Tip: The application starts with an “Eligibility Quiz.” Log on this Monday to take the quiz and access the full application.
Southeast US Infrastructure Grant
For established operations ready to scale.
Status: Eligibility Quiz Opens Soon (February 23, 2026)
The Window: February 23, 2026 – March 23, 2026 (Closes at 12:00 p.m. EST)
Who Is Eligible?
- Farmers with 3+ years of experience owning and operating their farms.
- Must be a principal operator.
What It’s For:
This is about viability. The funds support projects that increase the farm’s sustainability or marketability.
Examples: Upgrading an irrigation system to handle drought, building a pack shed to meet food safety standards, or buying a specialized harvester to reduce labor costs.
The “Secret Sauce”: RAFI looks for projects that show a clear “before and after.” How will this $5,000 or $10,000 change your bottom line? Be specific.
Farmers of Color Network (FOCN) Infrastructure Fund
For historically underserved growers.
Status: Opens Soon (February 23, 2026)
The Window: February 23, 2026 – March 23, 2026
Who Is Eligible?
- Farmers of color in the Southeast region.
- Must have 3+ years of farming experience.
What It’s for:
Projects that increase farm viability, support community food sovereignty, or preserve traditional cultural farming practices.
Funding Cap: Historically up to $10,000.
Why It Matters: This fund explicitly recognizes the structural barriers many farmers of color face and offers capital to bridge the gap for essential infrastructure.
Beyond RAFI: Other Regional Opportunities
While RAFI is the headline right now, the Appalachian Highlands region is rich with other specific funding pools. Here is what else is available for 2026.
Virginia Department of Agriculture (VDACS) Specialty Crop Block Grant
Status: URGENT (Pre-applications just closed February 6, 2026)
The Scoop: If you missed yesterday’s deadline, note the December 2026 deadline. This is a major grant for projects that enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops (fruits, vegetables, nursery crops).
Strategy: If you are a member of a producer group or agricultural association, check if they applied. These grants often fund marketing campaigns or research that benefits all growers in a region, even if you didn’t apply individually.
Tennessee Agricultural Enhancement Program (TAEP)
Status: Planning Phase (Application period is usually October 1-7)
The Scoop: For readers on the Tennessee side of Bristol, TAEP is the gold standard for cost-share.
What It Covers: 35% or 50% cost-share for long-term investments like hay storage, livestock equipment, genetics, and producer diversification (agritourism, organics, value-added).
Reporter’s Tip: You need specific educational certifications (like Master Beef Producer) to qualify for the higher 50% tier. Use this spring and summer to get those certifications so you are prepared when the window opens in October.
Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) Grants
Status: Rolling / Project-Based
The Scoop: The ARC funds large-scale regional development. While they rarely give cash directly to individual farmers, they fund non-profit and cooperatives that support farmers.
Action Item: Identify local “Local Development Districts” (LDDs) or non-profit organizations such as Appalachian Sustainable Development (ASD). They receive ARC funds to run programs that provide technical assistance, aggregation, or marketing support to farmers.
WNC AgOptions (North Carolina High Country)
Status: Cycle usually opens in late summer (Intent to Apply due by Sept 2026)
The Scoop: If your operation extends into Western NC (Ashe, Watauga, Avery counties), this is one of the best grants available. The NC Tobacco Trust Fund finances this program, which offers individual grants ($4,000–$8,000) for diversification.
Reporter’s Notebook: How to Win
I’ve interviewed dozens of grant recipients over the years. Here is what separates winners from the “maybe next year”:
Get a Farm Number: Almost all federal and some non-profit grants require you to register with the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA). It’s free. Go to your local county office and get it done.
The “Shovel-Ready” Rule: Don’t ask for money for a vague idea. Request funding for a specific project with a defined cost. “I need money for a fence” is weak. “I need $4,200 to purchase 300 posts and 2 rolls of woven wire to fence 4 acres for rotational grazing” is strong.
Watch the Webinars: RAFI is hosting a “Q&A” style webinar for these grants. Attendance is often the difference between a confusing application and a confident one.
Note: RAFI scheduled the informational webinar for February 5, 2026. If you missed it, check their website immediately for the recording.
Next Steps
The Beginning Farmer Stipend opens this Monday, February 9, 2026. If you fit that category (0-3 years of experience), your next step is to visit the RAFI-USA Grant Portal and set an alert to take the eligibility quiz when it goes live.
Good luck, and happy planting.
