The Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) has opened applications for its Local Food System Infrastructure grants. The program aims to improve local food supply chains and increase market access for farms, ranches, food processors, and distributors across the state.
There are two categories of grants available, each with different funding levels and timelines. More information about these categories, guidelines, and applicant support can be found on the WSDA grant website.
The ongoing funding for these grants was approved by the Washington State Legislature to help address infrastructure needs in the state’s food system. According to WSDA Director Derek Sandison, “These grant investments bridge persistent infrastructure gaps that limit market access for local producers. We want to ensure that farm and food business entrepreneurs remain engines for innovation, growth and sustainability in Washington’s vibrant local food economy.”
Eligible applicants include farmers, ranchers, food businesses, as well as nonprofit, tribal or government organizations involved in aggregating, processing, manufacturing, transporting, storing or selling foods produced within Washington state.
Grant awards will range from $15,000 to $750,000. Selection will depend on how well a project matches the goals of the grant program and whether it can be completed within the set timeframe. Funds may be used for equipment or facilities supporting post-harvest handling activities such as distribution, aggregation, processing or storage of locally grown products.
Those interested in applying can find more details at agr.wa.gov/grants or contact localfoodinfrastructure@agr.wa.gov. The initiative is part of WSDA’s Focus on Food Initiative aimed at ensuring safe and nutritious food is efficiently produced and distributed throughout Washington.
