2027 Catalyzing Agroforestry Grant Program - Applications are now open!
About Catalyzing Agroforestry Grant Program & Partners
How Catalyzing Agroforestry Program Works
Overview
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Administration & Funding: Managed by Virginia Tech Agroforestry and funded by the Edwards Mother Earth Foundation (EMEF), CAGP collaborates with regional partners (such as NC State University, Appalachian Sustainable Development, Rural Action, SilvoCulture, and Minority Landowner Magazine) to provide technical guidance and conduct site visits.
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Eligible Practices: The CAGP program funds agroforestry practices including: alley cropping, urban food forests, forest farming, riparian buffers, silvopasture (poultry and livestock), and windbreaks.
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Eligible States: Agroforestry assistance is available to producers in all US States.
How Funding Works
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Reimbursement Structure: Selected applicants receive consultations and site visits, with funds disbursed as reimbursements after project completion.
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Funding Rates:
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Field Practices: (Alley cropping, buffers, silvopasture, food forests, windbreaks): Up to $1,500/acre for the first 4 acres; up to $1,000/acre for acres 5–8; up to $750/acre for additional acreage.
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Forest Farming: Up to $1,000 for 1/4 acre, plus up to $500/acre for site preparation (depending on scope).
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Allowed Expenses: Site preparation, planting stock, equipment rentals, tree protection, and contractor labor. (Excludes purchasing livestock, personal producer time, woodland thinning, or major machinery like tractors).
Knowledge Sharing
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Peer to Peer Exchange: Awardees share lessons learned and project outcomes with peer producers through the Agroforestry Regional Knowledge Exchange (ARKx) Network to help scale agroforestry practices and stakeholder knowledge nationwide.
CAGP Application
Please read before applying!
Step 1: Application, Worksheet & Documentation (before March 1, 2027)
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Complete and submit an online application before March 1, 2027. Expect to spend 20 - 30 minutes to complete. This application includes contact information, short and long answers, general info about current/future farm operations and file upload. For assistance with the form or application, please email Patrick Bowers at Virginia Tech [bpatri8@vt.edu].
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Supporting documentation examples include: annotated maps or aerial imagery, photos, existing documents, business plans, timelines, newsletters, promotional videos, product lists, and website links. Please be sure to label photos and documents with your farm name.
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Include a Time and Budget Worksheet, filled out to the best of your ability. Please note that it is only an initial (not final) estimate for your CAGP project. Your application will not be complete until you submit this seperate worksheet.
Please note: All CAGP applications will be assessed to identify project trends. The goal of this is to improve the CAGP grant program, better comprehend proposed agroforestry projects and regional and community needs. The assessment has no bearing on funding decisions.
Step 2: Communication & Consultation
If selected, there will be communication with the CAGP program team, followed by technical assistance access. As CAGP projects progress, there will be time for questions, planning, sourcing and purchasing, site prep and installation.
Step 3: Timeline & Installation
Project completion is required within 18 months of receiving the grant award. While the CAGP and Technical Service Providers provide support and consultation along the way, these action steps are the responsibility of the awardee.
Step 4: Documentation & Reimbursement
Keep, organize and send in your expenses documentation along with your final report for reimbursement after project completion.
Explore the FAQ below, and send questions to CAGP contact: Patrick Bowers at Virginia Tech [bpatri8@vt.edu].
Thank you for your interest in Catalyzing Agroforestry!