Virginia AFID Infrastructure Grants — Application Deadline
October 30
prefixApplication deadline is Oct. 30
Virginia’s fall 2026 AFID Infrastructure Grant applications are due Oct. 30 by 5 p.m. Virginia local time. The program supports reimbursable capital projects, including food hubs, farmers markets, commercial kitchens and agricultural processing or packaging facilities. Applications must come from an eligible Virginia political subdivision. Farmers and community organizations should work with their locality on a proposed project.
Understand the funding route
The maximum award is $50,000. The announcement calls for an equal cash match, with reduced matching requirements available for economically distressed localities. Review the current guidelines with the intended applicant before assuming a project or expense qualifies. This calendar entry marks a funding deadline, not an educational meeting or an approval to start spending. Use the program’s actual application and grant terms for decisions about project costs and reimbursement.
Suggested project preparation
Prepare a concise description of the capacity the project would add, the producers it would serve and the problem it would address. Identify the local-government partner and the information that partner needs to evaluate the idea. A preliminary budget can distinguish proposed capital costs, available matching funds and unanswered questions. These are preparation suggestions rather than a grant-writing formula or a guarantee of selection. Ask the program staff which costs and documentation require clarification before making a financial commitment.
Coordinate submission early
Use the official page for guidelines, forms, the budget document and the recorded informational webinar. Joyce Blankenship is the program contact at 804-786-1906 or joyce.blankenship@vdacs.virginia.gov. Allow time for the eligible applicant’s review and submission process before the deadline. Keep a copy of the final materials and any receipt. This date-only calendar marker does not extend the 5 p.m. cutoff. Do not assume reimbursement is available merely because a project is described in an application or a purchase has been made. Confirm current requirements directly with the program.
