The Governor’s Agriculture and Forestry Industries Development (AFID) Fund is a
discretionary, performance-based economic development incentive specifically for
agriculture and forestry value-added or processing projects. The AFID program supports
agribusinesses of all sizes including produce companies, dairy processors, meat and
poultry processors, specialty food and beverage manufacturers, greenhouse operations,
forest product manufacturers and more. The fund can also support aquaculture projects
such as oyster production and nurseries producing native plants for stormwater BMPs.
An AFID facility grant is awarded to a political subdivision for the benefit of the
company, with the expectation that the grant is critical to the success of the new or
expanding facility. The grant amount and terms are determined by the Secretary of
Agriculture and Forestry and approved by the Governor.
Interested businesses should contact their local economic development office or the
Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services for more information.
Michele Bridges, Project Manager
804-774-6106
michele.bridges@vdacs.virginia.gov