OPPORTUNITIES
Grants
USDA Value-Added Producer Grants (VAPG)
The VAPG is the primary federal grant that VA FAIRS helps producers apply for, offering up to $250,000 to help farmers create higher‑value products, expand into new markets, and increase income. It supports both planning and working capital needs such as processing and marketing, and requires a 1:1 matching contribution, which can include cash or eligible in‑kind support.
USDA Rural Business Development Grants (RBDG)
The RBDG program provides funding to support economic development and job creation in rural areas by helping small businesses grow and communities invest in infrastructure and planning. It offers flexible funding (no set maximum and no match required) to public entities and nonprofits for projects like business development, training, infrastructure, and feasibility studies that benefit rural communities.
Southeast Dairy Business Innovation Initiative Grants (SDBII)
The SDBII provides grants to dairy businesses in Virginia and across the Southeast to support growth and innovation, including infrastructure upgrades, processing equipment, technology adoption, and business planning. It is open to current and prospective dairy operations looking to improve efficiency, expand products, and strengthen profitability. Awards typically require a matching contribution, and projects must focus on adding value, improving operations, or enhancing long-term business sustainability.
Farmers Market Promotion Program Grants (FMPP)
The FMPP provides grants to strengthen farmers markets and local food systems through marketing, capacity building, training, and community development projects. Eligible applicants include agricultural businesses, nonprofits, local governments, producer networks, and Tribal governments, with awards ranging from $50,000 to $500,000 depending on project type. The program requires a 25% cost share from non‑federal sources.
Competitions
The Virginia FAIRS “Bull Pen” is a competition for Virginia-based agriculture and forestry businesses to develop ideas, get expert feedback, and compete for cash prizes. It is currently paused and expected to return in 2026 with program updates.
The Farm Bureau Ag Innovation Challenge is a national competition that awards up to $100,000 to startups creating solutions for farmers’ biggest challenges, with additional funding for finalists and a multi-stage pitch process to select winners.
Programs
This 3‑year program pays Virginia farmers and ranchers $100 per acre or animal unit to adopt conservation practices that improve soil health, water quality, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It’s designed to reward farmers for good stewardship while demonstrating the economic value of sustainable farming, with Virginia producers eligible to enroll as part of the pilot.
Organizations
The TRRC is a Virginia state entity created in 1999 to support economic growth in communities that were historically dependent on tobacco. Using funds from the national tobacco settlement, the Commission invests in Southern and Southwest Virginia to help diversify local economies and create long‑term prosperity.
TRRC provides grants and loans to local governments and nonprofits for projects that create jobs, strengthen infrastructure, support workforce development, and expand key industries such as agriculture and agribusiness. Its service area includes 40 counties and cities across Southern and Southwest Virginia.
For Virginia farmers, TRRC can help by funding projects that expand market access, support value‑added agriculture, improve processing and distribution infrastructure, and strengthen farm‑related businesses. These investments help farmers move beyond raw commodity production and build more profitable, resilient operations while supporting the broader rural economy.