By Jamie Martin
American Farmland Trust has officially opened the application period for its 2026 Regenerate Virginia grant cycle. Farmers and ranchers in the Commonwealth can apply between December 1 and December 19, 2025, using the online application or the downloadable form. Along with applications, AFT provides eligibility guidelines, FAQs, and access to virtual Q&A Office Hours for applicants needing support.
The two available grants are the Healthy Soils Grant and the Farm Vitality Grant. Both are part of AFT’s statewide Regenerate Virginia initiative, supported by generous anonymous donors and the national Brighter Future Fund. Since 2020, the fund has helped farmers navigate climate stress, financial uncertainty, and the need for stronger long-term planning.
“Regenerate Virginia brings together the tools farmers need to build healthier soils, strengthen their operations, and secure the future of agriculture in the Commonwealth,” said Amanda Cather, AFT’s Mid-Atlantic Deputy Director. “Through these grants, we’re investing directly in farmers’ and ranchers’ ability to innovate, grow, and secure the long-term health of their farms and communities.
AFT will host virtual Q&A Office Hours on December 1 at 1:00 PM and December 15 at 7:00 PM to assist applicants.
The Healthy Soils Grant, offered with the Virginia Soil Health Coalition, supports regenerative soil practices and provides up to $30,000 per applicant. It focuses on projects that enhance soil structure, improve profitability, and fill gaps not covered by existing programs.
The Farm Vitality Grant offers up to $25,000 for business planning support. Producers may use the funds for succession planning, diversification plans, financial and labor management, and transitions into regenerative operations.
The program’s strong track record continues into 2026. In July 2025, AFT awarded $896,600 to 38 producers, representing one-third of all Brighter Future Fund recipients nationwide. These projects are already improving biodiversity, expanding market opportunities, and lowering input costs through methods such as cover crops, biochar use, and rotational grazing.
A 2025 recipient, Stephanie Miller of Mystic Pine Farm, highlighted the grant’s impact, saying it will help stabilize her young business and continue supporting local food sovereignty.
More details and resources are available on AFT’s Mid-Atlantic webpage.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-jevtic
Categories: National