Best Grants for Farmers in Virginia

Virginia farmers and ranchers can receive competitive research funding to test sustainable production and marketing practices, including organic agriculture, alternative crops or animals, and improved grazing systems. Southern Sustainable Agriculture, Research & Education supports on-farm projects that address real-world challenges and generate practical, shareable results for other producers across the Southern region.

Farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural producers in Virginia can apply for the Conservation Stewardship Program, which provides payments for maintaining and enhancing conservation practices on eligible private or Tribal agricultural and forest lands. Administered by USDA: Natural Resources Conservation Service of Virginia, five-year contracts support improvements in soil, water, air, habitat quality, and energy use.

Virginia agricultural producers, ranchers, and non‑industrial private forest landowners can receive conservation funding and technical assistance to improve soil, water, air quality, and wildlife habitat on working lands. USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service of Virginia supports practices for cropland, livestock, forestry, organic and urban agriculture, on-farm energy, and targeted wildlife and water quality initiatives.

Virginia farmers, ranchers, and forest producers can receive support to enhance conservation on working lands through the Conservation Stewardship Program, administered by USDA: Natural Resources Conservation Service of Virginia. Focused on improving soil health, water quality, wildlife habitat, and overall farm resilience, this five-year contract program provides technical and financial assistance for whole-operation stewardship.

Students planning to study agriculture, including those from farming communities in Virginia, can apply for the Arlyn J. Walt Memorial Scholarship through Grand Haven Area Community Foundation; awards support agricultural education. Applicants submit one application to be considered for all eligible foundation scholarships tied to donor-set criteria.

College-bound or current full-time students in Georgia pursuing poultry science or related agricultural degrees can receive US $2,000 for higher education costs. North Georgia Community Foundation supports agricultural education, and Virginia farm families with eligible Georgia-resident students planning careers in the poultry industry may benefit from this scholarship opportunity.

Virginia students pursuing degrees related to the poultry industry can access funding for higher education through Arkansas Community Foundation’s Poultry Federation Scholarship. These scholarships support agriculture-related studies at two- or four-year colleges, vocational schools, or technical programs, and may benefit future farmers seeking specialized poultry training.

High school graduates involved in FFA or 4-H seeking need-based support for higher education can access scholarships that may benefit future farmers, including those in Virginia. Grants from Beckley Area Foundation help students with documented FFA and/or 4-H participation, with preference for applicants who have submitted projects to the West Virginia State Fair.

Sheep farmers and producers in Virginia and across the U.S. can apply for American Lamb Board’s Advancing Markets for Producers opportunity, with awards up to US $23,000 for improved sheep and land stewardship management plans. Funding supports technology adoption, conservation planning, and productivity enhancements with guidance from a Technical Service Provider.

Nonprofit organizations and educational institutions working on farmed animal and food system transformation can receive US $2,500 - US $10,000 to support advocacy, research, policy, and movement-building efforts, including in Virginia. Grants from Stray Dog Institute help groups advancing sustainable agriculture, farmer advocacy, environmental justice, and related food system reforms with both project-based and unrestricted funding.

Research institutions and organizations conducting livestock and farming-related biomedical research in Virginia can access funding through the National Institutes of Health to support the National Swine Resource and Research Center, with awards from US $960,898 - US $1,008,943. This grant supports creation, breeding, and distribution of genetically modified swine models and related services nationwide.

Farm and ranch operators and agricultural partners in Virginia and other U.S. locations can seek funding to implement on-farm, watershed, and regional conservation projects. Grants from USDA: Natural Resources Conservation Service help support sustainable agriculture, soil and water resource management, forestry, and habitat restoration, with awards ranging from US $250,000 - US $10,000,000.

This grant aims to enhance cooperation and regulatory standards among animal food safety programs by funding national feed associations. It promotes inter-agency collaboration, strengthens state regulatory frameworks, and supports the Animal Feed Regulatory Program Standards (AFRPS). By leveraging resources and aligning with federal and state initiatives, the program seeks to improve animal food safety and ensure comprehensive surveillance and protection.

The EA Funds: Animal Welfare Fund Grant aims to enhance the welfare of nonhuman animals globally through strategic grants. It focuses on neglected regions, innovative research, and impactful advocacy, particularly for farmed and wild animals. The fund supports projects that alleviate suffering, promote alternatives to factory farming, and engage in policy advocacy. By contributing to this grant, you can help create a significant positive impact on animal welfare and support initiatives that are often overlooked.

Virginia agricultural producers and conservation-focused partners can seek US $250,000 - US $10,000,000 to implement on-farm and regional natural resource conservation projects, including soil, water, habitat, and forestry improvements. Focused on collaborative conservation, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service invites multi-partner projects that address priority resource concerns through the Regional Conservation Partnership Program Alternative Funding Arrangements.

The Mishler Brown Fund Grant, managed by the Community Foundation of Elkhart County, supports nonprofits dedicated to agriculture and historic preservation. Applications are accepted annually from October 1 to December 31, with funds awarded in January. Organizations must have a 501(c)(3) status but do not need to be located in Elkhart County. The fund honors Helen Mishler's legacy by preserving farming heritage, including her family's historic homestead.

Virginia farms and ranch families connected to the Oklahoma Cattlemen's Association may be eligible for academic scholarships supporting members and their children. These awards, offered through the Communities Foundation of Oklahoma, help farming families pursue education while remaining active in livestock and agricultural careers. Applicants must be association members or their dependents.

The Ag Health and Safety Grants, awarded by CHS and the CHS Foundation, aim to enhance agricultural safety and foster community well-being. These grants focus on educating youth and farmers about agricultural hazards, providing training for rural professionals, and developing essential safety guidelines. With a commitment to improving safety standards, the program has benefitted over 32,000 youth and supported more than 450 communities through safety initiatives and equipment, ensuring a safer future for all involved in agriculture.

The ASPCA Fund to End Factory Farming Grant Program aims to transform the U.S. food system by promoting humane practices and reducing reliance on factory farming. By funding eligible projects, the program seeks to improve animal welfare, support farmers, and enhance public health. Projects must include educational components to raise awareness about their impact. This initiative reflects ASPCA's commitment to ethical treatment of animals and fostering a culture of compassion and inclusion.

The Chipotle Cultivate Foundation Grant Program supports 501(c)3 non-profits dedicated to making real food accessible and fostering community growth. Established in 2011, this initiative aligns with Chipotle's mission to cultivate a better world. Eligible organizations can apply through an invitation-only process, focusing on those paving the way for a better future. The foundation also offers mentorship and resources to innovative ventures in the food industry.

Graduate students who are members of the Oklahoma Cattlemen's Association, or their children, can receive scholarship support for higher education, including those from Virginia engaged in farming. Focused on agricultural leadership and education, Communities Foundation of Oklahoma partners with the Oklahoma Cattlemen's Association to assist aspiring leaders in the cattle and farming industry.

The Native American Agriculture Fund (NAAF) offers grants to support Native farmers and ranchers through business assistance, agricultural education, technical support, and advocacy services. Established from the Keepseagle v. Vilsack settlement, NAAF is committed to providing essential resources to eligible organizations, including 501(c)(3) nonprofits, educational institutions, and tribal governments. Special focuses include inflation assistance and market access, ensuring a holistic approach to agricultural support.

U.S.-based nonprofits and institutions working on agricultural biotechnology trade and policy can apply for US $500,000 - US $2,000,000 to run international workshops, trainings, and dialogues that expand markets for U.S. biotech farm products. USDA Foreign Agricultural Service collaborates on designing seminars and selecting participants across Africa, Asia, Latin America, and other key regions.

The Food and Farm Communications Fund's Wildseed Grants program supports grassroots organizations in the U.S. that aim to bring transformative change to food and agricultural systems. With grants ranging from $20,000 to $50,000 for one year, and up to $75,000 for two years, the program emphasizes strategic communications, community engagement, and racial equity. Eligible organizations must demonstrate alignment with the Fund’s mission and have a revenue of less than $3 million.

The Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network (FRSAN) aims to connect agricultural workers with vital stress assistance programs. Funded by the USDA's National Institute of Food and Agriculture, FRSAN addresses the pressing challenges faced by farmers and ranchers, ensuring support for mental health, food security, and innovation in agriculture. This initiative promotes a holistic approach to sustaining America's agricultural workforce, focusing on efficiency and merit while rejecting discriminatory practices.

Focused on sustainable farming and healthy food systems, Clif Family Foundation invites 501(c)(3) nonprofits and fiscally sponsored groups to seek general operating support. Organizations in Virginia and across the U.S. working on regenerative agriculture, farmworker safety, climate justice, and healthy food access can apply for US $5,000 - US $50,000 one-year grants.

Local Agriculture Market Program

The Local Agriculture Market Program (LAMP) supports the development, coordination, and expansion of direct producer-to-consumer marketing; local and regional food markets and enterprises; and value-added agricultural products. The primary goals of LAMP are to:

• Connect and cultivate regional food economies through public-private partnerships.    
• Support the development of business plans, feasibility studies, and strategies for value-added agricultural production and local and regional food system infrastructure.    
• Strengthen capacity and regional food system development through community collaboration and expansion of mid-tier value chains. 
• Improve income and economic opportunities for producers and food businesses through job creation; and   
• Simplify the application processes and the reporting processes for the program.

LAMP is an umbrella program created in the 2018 Farm Bill. LAMP encompasses the Farmers Market Promotion Program (FMPP), Local Food Promotion Program (LFPP), Regional Food System Partnerships Program (RFSP), and Value-Added Producer Grants Program (VAPG). LAMP funding is divided between these grant programs.