Catalyzing Agroforestry Grant Program

The Catalyzing Agroforestry Grants Program is an initiative funded by the Appalachian Beginning Forest Farming Coalition (ABFFC) and Edwards Mother Earth Foundation (EMEF) that is managed by Virginia Tech University in partnership with Rural Action, Appalachian Sustainable Development, The Yew Mountain Center, North Carolina State University. Direct financial support is available through the program for farmers who seek to join our effort to mitigate climate change through use of agroforestry applications. Agroforestry practices sequester carbon, sustain productive and healthy farms and forests, protect water quality, regenerate soils, and enhance biodiversity. Read about Edwards Mother Earth Foundation's commitment to agroforestry here.

The Catalyzing Agroforestry Grant Program is focused on implementing silvopastures and forest farming practices through direct support payments and will assist producers in designing appropriate projects using technical assistance and science-based planning strategies. The ultimate goal of the effort is to increase ecosystem sustainability and diversity by scaling up agroforestry practices. To achieve this goal, assistance is available through regional partners, management of funds and technical assistance. The program will also develop an Agroforestry Regional Knowledge (ARK) Exchange that serves as a framework for future growth of agroforestry adoption. The ARK Exchange will support ecocultural learning, workforce development, and networking of producer peers, nonprofit organizations, academic institutions, and governmental and nongovernmental partners.

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The project will provide up to $1500/acre for silvopasture implementation and up to $1000/quarter acre for forest farming implementation depending on project scale and scope. To enhance shared learning, producers who receive support will share successes and lessons-learned with their peers and other interested stakeholders. Minority, female, Indigenous, LGBTQ+, and/or socially disadvantaged farmers are highly encouraged to apply.

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Forest Farming assistance is available to producers in Ohio, West Virginia, Virginia, AND North Carolina. Silvopasture assistance has priority funding locations in Virginia, East Tennessee, East Kentucky, West Virginia, Southeast and South Central Ohio, and Western Pennsylvania. Applications from farms in proximity to these regions are also encouraged.

Applications will be accepted at any time following the release of this announcement. A first round of projects will be identified on or about June 15, 2022, followed by applicant consultation and site assessment with regional partners. If A proposed project is deemed feasible, funding will be provided at a rate suitable to support completion. Unfunded applications will be retained in the review pool until program funds are exhausted. Direct questions to Ian Nichols at Virginia Tech. If applicants do not wish to submit online, applications can also be mailed.