Governor Glenn Youngkin Announces Eleven AFID Infrastructure Grants to Support Local Food Systems
$390,000 awarded to projects expanding capacity for local producers and access for communities
Richmond, Va. – Governor Glenn Youngkin today announced 11 awards, totaling more than $390,000, from the Governor’s Agriculture and Forestry Industries Development (AFID) Fund Infrastructure Grant program. These competitively awarded matching grants support projects that will establish and expand opportunities for local producers and strengthen local food systems.
“The Governor’s Agriculture and Forestry Industries Development Fund Infrastructure Grant program funds incentivizes projects that create real change for our small- and mid-sized agricultural producers and some of our most vulnerable communities,” said Governor Glenn Youngkin. “I’m proud of my administration’s dedication to investing in our rural communities and expanding access to healthy food, that is grown and processed right here in the Commonwealth.”
“Farmers and rural communities know what they need, and the Governor’s Agriculture and Forestry Industries Development Fund Infrastructure Grant does an excellent job matching funds to projects that meet those needs and improve the lives of our rural producers and residents,” said Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry Matthew Lohr. “I’m always very proud to see the innovative ways these grants expand processing capabilities and market access, support local economies, and bring more Virginia Grown food to Virginians.”
The following projects are receiving funding in this round of the AFID Infrastructure Grant program:
Albemarle County, Farm-Based Pizza Operation Expansion, $12,465
Albemarle County is receiving funding to invest in essential equipment and cold storage expansion for Penny’s Imperfect Pizza, which uses vegetables grown on their own farm as well as local sausage, flour, and other ingredients. The expansion will triple production, increase purchases from local farms, extend distribution reach to underserved communities, and create local jobs.
Bland County, Salvaged Barnwood Farmers Market Structure, $23,000
Funding will aid Bland County in creating an aesthetic entryway, with a shaded seating area, for the County of Bland Farmers Market. The project will be built using locally sourced, reclaimed barnwood to showcase the value of local resources while supporting small-scale forestry and woodworking businesses.
Buchanan County, Southern Gap Farmers Market, $13,133
Buchanan County is receiving funding to establish a new farmers market in the Southern Gap area. Funding will be used to purchase supplies for the building, including a covered structure, commercial scales, and other necessary equipment.
Cumberland County, Cold Storage for Local Producers, $50,000
Cumberland County will utilize funding to construct a cold storage facility at Spruce Berry Farm. The unit will store produce from Spruce Berry Farm and other local producers. The additional cold storage capacity will help improve food access in the surrounding area.
Fairfax County, Accelerated Composting System, $28,050
Fairfax County is receiving funding to support the expansion of Future Acres Urban Farming’s food waste capture and composting system. The funds will purchase materials, equipment, and labor to create two new Mobile Compost Command units. This will increase capacity to process food waste from county residents, businesses, and farmers markets, to produce more high-quality grass fertilizer and high protein animal feed, which is sold or donated to local residents and farmers.
Town of Gate City, Permanent Open-Air Farmers Market, $44,000
Funding will aid the town of Gate City in constructing a permanent open-air farmers market within the new Gate City Community Park. The new 32-foot by 100-foot structure will be a year-round shared-used covered facility where local farmers, growers, and artisans can sell Virginia Grown and locally produced goods.
Greensville County, Multi-Use Agristore Facility for Egg Production, $50,000
Greensville County is receiving funds to construct a multi-use agristore facility to handle washing, packaging, storage, and local distribution of farm products. It will expand egg production for Gilliam’s Farm and Links of Hope, and establish a locally owned, shared-use agricultural processing facility that will expand agricultural infrastructure and stimulate rural job growth in a food desert.
Prince Edward County, Portable Cattle Handling System, $20,106
Prince Edward County and Charlotte County are partnering to receive funds to purchase a portable cattle handling system and scale that will be available for check out by producers in the two counties. The system will help small- and mid-sized local beef producers prepare animals for processing so they can utilize the USDA-inspected meat processing facility that opened in Prince Edward County in fall 2025.
Town of Pulaski, Shared-Use Commercial Kitchen, $50,000
The town of Pulaski is receiving funds to expand the Lena Huckstep Kitchen into a 1,400-square-foot shared-use commercial kitchen. This infrastructure will eliminate key barriers to market entry and strengthen the local economy, promote entrepreneurship, and expand access to healthy, locally processed food.
Westmoreland County, Food-Safe Commercial Kitchen, $50,000
Funding will aid the Industrial Development Authority of Westmoreland County in constructing and outfitting a commercial kitchen that is adjacent to Garner’s Produce Food Stand. This project will enable Garner’s Produce to convert locally grown crops into shelf-stable or ready-to-eat products, which will reduce food waste and increase access to local food items in the six markets frequented by Garner’s Produce.
Wythe County, Cannery Boiler Replacement, $50,000
Wythe County is receiving funds to purchase a new boiler for the Wythe County Cannery, which is undergoing a long-range modernization and capacity-building initiative. Modernizing the cannery supports its central role in supporting small agricultural producers, church and civic groups, and local families, who all use the facility.
Created by the General Assembly in 2021 and administered by the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, the AFID Infrastructure Grant program partners with local governments to award grants to develop community infrastructure in support of growing the operations of small-scale farmers and food producers. The maximum grant award is $50,000.
The next spring application round for AFID Infrastructure Grants will open March 16, 2026. Additional information about the program is available at www.vdacs.virginia.gov/agriculture-afid-infrastructure-grants.shtml.