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.
Agriculture and Forestry Industries Development Fund Planning Grant (AFID)
The AFID Planning Grant helps Virginia localities strengthen agriculture and forestry through economic development planning. Funding supports feasibility studies, strategic plans, market development initiatives, agritourism projects, and local food system planning. Eligible applicants are Virginia local governments, with awards up to $20,000 for single localities and $35,000 for regional projects. The program requires a matching contribution.
Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program (BFRDP)
The BFRDP funds education, training, and technical assistance programs that help beginning farmers and ranchers develop successful operations. Funding supports business planning, production training, mentoring, financial management, and market development. Eligible applicants include universities, Extension programs, nonprofits, and other organizations serving new producers. Awards can reach $750,000 and generally require a 25% match.
Community Food Projects Competitive Grants Program (CFPCGP)
The BFRDP funds education, training, and technical assistance programs that help beginning farmers and ranchers develop successful operations. Funding supports business planning, production training, mentoring, financial management, and market development. Eligible applicants include universities, Extension programs, nonprofits, and other organizations serving new producers. Awards can reach $750,000 and generally require a 25% match.
Farmer Veteran Fellowship Fund
The Farmer Veteran Fellowship Fund provides grants to military veterans who are beginning careers in farming and ranching. Funding can be used for equipment, infrastructure, and other farm startup or expansion needs. Awards range from $1,000 to $5,000 and are paid directly to approved vendors. The program requires a 1:1 match.
Food and Agriculture Service Learning Program (FASLP)
The FASLP supports farm-to-school and agricultural education projects that increase agricultural literacy and improve children’s nutrition. Funding can be used for experiential learning programs, community partnerships, and classroom-based agriculture initiatives. Eligible applicants include schools, universities, and nonprofits. Awards are available up to $230,000 and do not require a match.
Healthy Food Financing Initiative (HFFI)
The HFFI funds projects that expand access to healthy, affordable food in underserved communities. Funding supports food retail businesses, food access initiatives, capacity building, and supply chain development. Eligible applicants include nonprofits, businesses, cooperatives, and government entities. Awards range from $20,000 to $250,000 and no match is required.
Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program (MPPEP)
The MPPEP supports independent meat and poultry processors seeking to increase processing capacity and strengthen regional supply chains. Funding can be used for equipment, facility improvements, workforce development, and food safety upgrades. Awards currently range from $50,000 to $2 million. Most project types require a 25% to 50% cash match.
Persimmon Collective Infrastructure Grant
The Persimmon Collective Infrastructure Grant provides funding to BIPOC farmers and land stewards for on-farm infrastructure improvements. Funds can be used for fencing, storage, utilities, housing improvements, equipment repairs, and specialized tools. Awards are available up to $10,000 and do not require a match.
Regenerate Virginia Farm Vitality Grant Program
The Regenerate Virginia Farm Vitality Grant Program helps Virginia farms improve profitability while adopting regenerative agricultural practices. Funding supports equipment purchases, business planning, and product or market expansion projects. Eligible applicants are Virginia farms and ranches with farming experience. Awards range up to $25,000 and no match is required.
Regional Food System Partnerships (RFSP)
The RFSP supports collaborative projects that strengthen local and regional food systems through planning, partnership development, and market expansion. Funding can be used to improve food processing, distribution, and supply chain coordination. Eligible applicants include partnerships led by nonprofits, cooperatives, producer groups, and local governments. Awards range from $100,000 to $1 million and require a 25% cash match.
Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP)
The SCBGP funds projects that improve the competitiveness of specialty crops, including fruits, vegetables, horticultural products, and nursery crops. Funding supports research, marketing, education, food safety, and supply chain initiatives that benefit the broader industry. Eligible applicants include producer groups, universities, nonprofits, and agricultural associations. Awards are typically up to $75,000 and no match is required.
Southern Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Producer Grant (SSARE)
The SSARE Producer Grant supports farmer-led research and demonstration projects that test innovative production, sustainability, and marketing practices. Eligible applicants include farmers, ranchers, and farmer organizations. Awards are available up to $20,000 for individual producers and $25,000 for organizations. The program does not require a match.
Urban, Indoor, and Other Emerging Agricultural Production Initiative (UIE)
The UIE supports research, education, and extension projects that advance urban agriculture, indoor farming, and other emerging production systems. Funding can be used for research, outreach, workforce development, and industry education activities. Eligible applicants include universities, nonprofits, businesses, and research organizations. Awards can reach $500,000 and no match is required.
Virginia Cattle Industry Board Grant Program
The Virginia Cattle Industry Board Grant Program funds projects that support cattle industry education, research, promotion, and market development. Eligible applicants include universities, producer groups, nonprofits, and industry organizations. Funding priorities include improving producer profitability and expanding market opportunities for Virginia cattle producers. No match is required.
Virginia Food Access Investment Fund (VFAIF)
The VFAIF supports grocery stores, food retailers, and other projects that improve access to healthy food in underserved Virginia communities. Funding can be used for facility improvements, equipment purchases, business development, and expansion projects. Eligible applicants include farms, businesses, nonprofits, and individuals. Awards range from $10,000 to $50,000 and no match is required.
Virginia Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure Program (RFSI)
The RFSI funds infrastructure projects that strengthen local and regional food supply chains through processing, aggregation, storage, distribution, and packaging improvements. Eligible applicants include producers and food businesses proposing mid-supply-chain projects. Awards range from up to $100,000 for equipment projects to as much as $3 million for larger infrastructure investments. Most projects require a 50% match.
Seed Peace Casey’s Fund Supporting Farmers
Seed Peace provides grants and support services to regenerative farmers in Virginia’s New River Valley. The program helps strengthen farm sustainability and farmer well-being through funding, educational resources, and wellness support. Eligible applicants are regenerative farmers within the program’s service area, and no match is required.
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.
The Funding for Agricultural Reductions in Mass Balance of Nitrogen project will compensate Virginia dairy farmers for reducing nutrient loss through improved nutrient mass balance management. It is a farm-specific, flexible approach focused on measurable and verifiable nutrient reductions. You get paid for actual improvements in nutrient balance (in pounds per year), not for adopting a specific practice. Any VSDA members in the Chesapeake Bay watershed are eligible to apply.
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.