The Office of Agriculture and Forestry Development (OAFD) provides economic development assistance to businesses involved in food, forestry or agriculture. In addition, the office administers the AFID and VFAIF grant programs and houses the Office of Farmland Preservation.

General Assistance for Agribusiness

OAFD staff maintains a list of financing resources for agribusiness and can provide a variety of business assistance services and referrals.

AFID – Governor’s Agriculture and Forestry Industries Development Fund

The AFID Fund allows the Governor to make discretionary, matching grants to localities and other political subdivisions through the grants listed below to support economic development related to agriculture and forestry across the Commonwealth.

• AFID Facility Grants incentivize new and expanding agribusinesses.
• AFID Infrastructure Grants build local food and farming infrastructure.
• AFID Planning Grants support planning efforts and local initiatives that benefit agriculture and forestry.
• AFID Blue Catfish Grant

VFAIF – Virginia Food Access Investment Fund

VFAIF grants are awarded to businesses and non-profit organizations to expand retail fresh food access to underserved communities.

VADO – Virginia Ag Development Officers Group

Networking and professional development opportunities for economic developers interested in learning more about agriculture and forestry.

OFP – Office of Farmland Preservation

OFP provides grants, technical assistance and recognition programs for the preservation of working farm and forestland.