Governor Abigail Spanberger Delivers $507,000 in Agricultural Infrastructure Grants Across 14 Localities

RICHMOND, VA — Governor Abigail Spanberger announced more than $507,000 in state grant allocations through the Governor’s Agriculture and Forestry Industries Development (AFID) Fund, benefiting 14 agricultural communities across the Commonwealth.

Strengthening Local Food Security and Processing Capacity

The funding reimburses capital costs for independent farmers and regional agricultural cooperatives constructing USDA-inspected meat processing facilities, commercial grain dryers, and refrigerated aggregation hubs in the Shenandoah Valley and Southside Virginia. Governor Spanberger highlighted that domestic processing capacity keeps agricultural profits within local rural economies.

Governor Spanberger emphasized that agriculture remains Virginia’s top economic engine, pledging continued state support for family farms facing volatile supply chain costs.

County Match Requirements and Farm Coalition Input

Recipient counties provided 100% matching funds through local industrial development authorities to double total capital deployment.

Virginia Farm Bureau leaders praised the targeted grants for expanding retail market access for small-scale livestock producers.

Facility Operational Deadlines

Grant-funded agricultural processing facilities will complete construction by spring 2027.