Local Food System Infrastructure Grant

The WSDA Local Food System Infrastructure Grant is administered by the Washington State Department of Agriculture to strengthen local food supply chains and expand market access for Washington-based agricultural producers and food businesses. The program is funded through the state’s biennial operating budget and is designed to support infrastructure investments that improve the movement, processing, storage, and sale of Washington-grown, caught, and raised food. By targeting gaps in regional food systems, the program aims to enhance economic sustainability and innovation across the state’s agricultural sector. The grant supports two distinct project categories under a single funding opportunity: Equipment Plus and Large Project. Equipment Plus projects focus on smaller-scale investments such as equipment purchases and minor facility improvements necessary to make equipment operational. These may include electrical upgrades, installation of sinks, or minor surface improvements. In contrast, Large Projects are designed for more substantial infrastructure improvements, including facility construction, renovation, or major upgrades that support broader regional collaboration among farms, processors, and distributors. Eligible uses of funds include post-harvest handling, aggregation, processing, manufacturing, storage, distribution, and retail infrastructure for locally produced food. The program explicitly allows reimbursement for certain loan origination fees tied directly to project completion, though interest payments are not eligible. Equipment Plus projects prohibit major construction activities, while Large Projects permit significant facility improvements such as structural work and new utility services. All funded activities must directly support increased market access for Washington-based food producers. Eligibility is limited to entities operating within Washington State, including farms, ranches, food businesses, and nonprofit organizations that directly contribute to local food system infrastructure. Applicants must be existing entities with a valid Washington Unified Business Identifier number and must be licensed to conduct business in the state. While U.S. citizenship is not required, applicants must be responsible for federal tax obligations associated with the grant and must register in the federal System for Award Management if awarded. The program does not allow sub-granting or pass-through funding; the applicant must be the direct beneficiary and implementer of the project. The application process is competitive and varies slightly by project category. Equipment Plus applicants submit a full application during the open application window, while Large Project applicants must first submit a concept proposal. Selected applicants are then invited to submit a full application. Applications are submitted through an online portal and require completion of narrative questions, a proposed budget, and supporting documentation. Only one application per entity is allowed across both categories. For the most recent cycle, the application period opened on August 14 and closed in late October for Equipment Plus projects, with an earlier concept proposal deadline in September for Large Projects. Full applications for invited Large Projects closed at the end of December. Award notifications occurred in early 2026, although some Large Project awards experienced delays due to state budget adjustments. The program is not currently accepting applications and anticipates the next funding round to open in late spring or early summer of 2027. This grant program is recurring and subject to state budget appropriations, with funding levels and timelines potentially adjusted based on legislative decisions. It is considered highly competitive, with evaluation criteria varying by project category. Priority may be given to smaller businesses or applicants with limited prior funding, particularly within the Equipment Plus category. The program continues to serve as a key investment mechanism for strengthening Washington’s local food economy and supporting long-term infrastructure development.

Focus on demonstrating clear impact on local food supply chain infrastructure and market access. Ensure project aligns with evaluation criteria and demonstrates readiness and feasibility.