Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Applicant Eligibility
➤ Who is the Local Food System Infrastructure Grant for?
The purpose of the Local Food System Infrastructure Grant program is to support local food supply chains and market access for Washington farms, ranches, food processors, and food distributors. The grant funds projects that expand and strengthen collaboration across linkages in regional food supply chains in Washington. This includes equipment and facilities for post-harvest handling (including slaughter), aggregation, processing, manufacturing, storing, distribution, or sale of Washington grown, caught, and raised food.
The eligibility criteria in the Grant Guidelines lists specifically what types of entities are eligible.
➤ What types of projects are eligible for the Equipment Plus grant category?
Equipment Plus projects are straightforward equipment purchases that address a specific local food system infrastructure gap or barrier to local market access for a Washington farm, ranch, or food business. Projects may include minor facility improvements that make equipment useable.
Major facility improvements are NOT eligible for Equipment Plus grants, including any ground disturbance, new utility services or structural work.
➤ What is considered a minor facility improvement?
Minor facility improvements should be needed to make equipment usable, such as electrical outlets, sink installation, or floor resurfacing.
Minor facility improvements cannot include ground disturbance, new utility services, or structural work.
➤ Can I construct a facility with a Equipment Plu grant category?
No, but you can make minor facility improvements that allow the equipment to be usable.
➤ What types of projects are eligible for the Large Project grant category?
Large Projects expand and strengthen collaboration across linkages in the regional food supply chain. This includes planning, equipment, and facilities that support post-harvest handling, aggregation, processing, manufacturing, storing, distribution, and sale of Washington grown, caught, and raised foods. Only Large Projects may include major facility improvements, renovation, or construction.
➤ What fees or debts associated with the issuance of a loan are eligible for reimbursements?
*New for the 2025–2027 Biennium* origination fees associated with the issuance of loans or debt that directly support completion of the proposed project are eligible for reimbursement. Interest payments are not eligible for reimbursement (only payments on the principal loan are eligible).
➤ Are these grant applications prioritizing any specific types of projects?
Yes. This is a competitive grant that will be scored based on the Evaluation Criteria located within the Grant Guidelines (see links below). Please note, there are different evaluation criteria depending on the project type, Large Projects or Equipment Plus Projects. For Equipment Plus Projects, there are bonus points available for applicants who have received less than $75,000 in Local Food System Infrastructure grant funds and who are considered “small” businesses. Additional details are shared in the Grant Guidelines.
➤ Are Washington non-profit organizations eligible to apply?
Eligible Non-profit organizations must directly engage in aggregating, storing, processing, transporting or otherwise directly improving local food supply chain infrastructure and market access for farms, ranches, and food businesses in Washington.
Non-profit applicants must be the beneficiary of the grant funds; pass-through of funds, sub-grants or contracts to other entities are not allowed.
➤ Are food banks eligible to apply?
Food banks are eligible if their proposal is targeted to provide increased access to aggregation, storage, packing, processing, or market access for Washington food producers to help them access local markets. For example, a food bank that is proposing to create a processing kitchen that would be available to farms to make their own value-added products to sell at local stores or farmers markets would be considered. Proposals from food banks that simply add capacity or resilience to the food bank’s own operation will not be competitive for this funding.
➤ Are new/startup entities eligible to apply — or just existing entities?
Applicants must be an existing farm, business, or nonprofit with a UBI number, per the eligibility requirements in the grant guidelines. However, the existing entity may be starting a new project, facility, product, or new line of business.
➤ Is US citizenship a requirement to apply?
U.S. citizenship status is not checked as part of this grant application process. Eligible organizations must:
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Be licensed to conduct business in Washington (have a UBI number).
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Be responsible for federal tax on the grant amount.
Awarded applicants will need to register in the federal government’s System for Award Management (SAM.gov).
➤ Can groups apply for funding together?
The applicant must be a single entity that will sign the grant agreement with WSDA (contract). The applicant will be solely responsible for the proposed activities such as facility improvements, and own any equipment purchases. The applicant entity may represent multiple individual businesses such as a producer cooperative, or an industry association. The applicant may propose a project that includes or benefits multiple farms or businesses, but it may not provide pass-through funding or sub-grants to those other entities.
➤ Can my organization apply as a fiscal sponsor and “pass-through” funds or sub-grant funds to other businesses or organizations?
No, sub-granting and “pass through” funding is not allowed. The applicant must be the business or organization that will be the direct user (aka “beneficiary”) of the funds.
➤ Does this grant include businesses in the fishery/seafood industry?
Yes, if the fish/seafood are caught in Washington waters and sold through local supply chains, including direct to consumers, for consumption in Washington. The proposed project should increase infrastructure capacity to support this local market access from some Washington-caught seafood.
➤ Are wineries, meaderies, breweries, cideries, and distilleries eligible for this grant?
Wineries, meaderies, breweries, cideries, and distilleries are eligible if they can demonstrate that they gather, process, manufacture, move, store, or sell products that include Washington grown, caught, or raised ingredients.
Application Process
➤ Can I get the grant information and application in a different language?
The grant application portal can be translated into many languages other than English by selecting the “world” icon in the top right corner of the Grant Application web portal. A drop down menu will appear where applicants can click the language you would like to read the applications materials in. The application must still be completed in English.
➤ Is this grant program first come, first served?
No. This is a competitive grant.
For Equipment Plus Grants, all applicants who meet eligibility requirements and apply between August 14 10:00 a.m. PST and October 23 4:00 p.m. PST will be considered.
For Large Project Grants, applicants who meet eligibility requirements must first submit a Concept Proposal for review by WSDA between August 14, 10:00 a.m. PST and September 25, 4:00 p.m. PST 2025. WSDA will select a small number of Concept Proposals that will be invited to apply and submit a Full Application between October 30, 10:00 a.m. PST through December 18, 4:00 p.m. PST 2025.
➤ Can I apply next year?
No. A single grant application period will be used to award funds to projects occurring in both 2026 and 2027. Projects that are seeking any funding before July 2027 should apply now.
➤ Will this grant be offered again?
We anticipate this grant will continue to be available in the future with additional grant rounds and opportunities to apply. We anticipate opening another grant round in the late spring/early summer of 2027.
We encourage interested entities to consider their operation’s own capacity, plans for growth, and project-readiness when deciding which grant round and grant type is best for them.
➤ How do I apply for a Equipment Plus grant?
After reading the Equipment Plus Grant Guidelines carefully, click the Apply button on the grant website to get to the online grant portal.
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Step 1: Set up your account login.
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Step 2: Create your business/organization profile (you need to create a profile to see the application).
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Step 3: Fill out the application in English. Complete the required application questions and proposed budget.
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Step 4: Submit by clicking the green button in the top right. Once you have submitted your application, you will receive a confirmation email to the address listed on your profile.
➤ How do I apply for a Large Project grant?
After reading the Large Project Grant Guidelines carefully, click the Apply button on the grant website to get to the online grant portal.
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Step 1: Set up your account login.
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Step 2: Create your business/organization profile (you need to create a profile to see the application).
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Step 3: Fill out the Concept Proposal in English. Complete the required narrative questions.
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Step 4: Submit the Concept Proposal by clicking the green button in the top right. Once you have submitted your Concept Proposal, you will receive a confirmation email to the address listed on your profile.
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Step 5: WSDA will review and invite a small number of Concept Proposals to submit Full Applications utilizing the same account and profile.
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Step 6: Building on the Concept Proposal questions that you initially submitted, fill out the required application questions, proposed budget and supporting documentation.
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Step 7: Submit by clicking the green button in the top right. Once you have submitted your application, you will receive a confirmation email to the address listed on your profile.
➤ Will I be able to edit my submission after submitting should I make an error?
You may log in and make changes to your application after you have submitted until the application or Concept Proposal period closes.
➤ If I have an Equipment Plus project and a Large Project would I submit two separate grant requests?
No. There is only one application allowed per applicant/UBI number.
➤ Where can I find examples of past projects that have received the grant?
Project descriptions from all past Local Food System Infrastructure grants are posted on the Past Grants webpage.
➤ What is a UBI #?
A UBI number is a nine-digit number that registers you with several state agencies and allows you to do business in Washington State. A state issued UBI number is sometimes called a tax registration number, a business registration number, or a business license number.
➤ What is SAM and a Unique Identification Number?
SAM is the US government System for Award Management (SAM) which provide unique identification numbers to organizations that allows them to receive federal funding. You do not need a SAM Unique Identification Number to apply for this grant, but awarded applicants will need to register in the federal government’s System for Award Management (SAM.gov). Entities do not need to fully register in SAM.gov to obtain a UEI number but the profile must be PUBLIC.
If you think you already have a SAM.gov account, you already have a UEI number and can obtain it by clicking “sign in” on the top right of SAM.gov.
If you encounter any problems registering for SAM you can find support in your area through Washington APEX (formerly Washington PTAC).
➤ Will I receive a notification that my application has been received?
Yes. You will receive an automatic email confirmation shortly after submitting your application to the email address listed on your application profile.
➤ Why do I need a Statewide Vendor Number?
A Statewide Vendor Number (SWV) is required to receive payments from state agencies such as the Washington State Department of Agriculture. Grantees will not receive any reimbursements for their grant without an active Statewide Vendor Number.
It is the responsibility of the applicant to keep their address updated with the Washington State Office of Financial Management (OFM). You can learn more about applying or searching for an active SWV on the OFM website.
Projects and Costs
➤ Do I have to hire contractors to do grant related work or can I pay existing employees, including myself?
Work done on projects may require prevailing wage. Please reference the grant guidelines for additional information and consult Washington State Department of Labor & Industries. Grant recipients must avoid conflicts of interest, including but not limited to, using grant funds for any form of self-dealing, or contracting with, providing gratuities, favors, or gifts to individual family members or officers.
➤ Are projects supporting animal slaughter considered post-harvest and eligible for funding?
Yes. In this context “post-harvest” refers to both slaughter and additional post-slaughter processing (eg. cut-wrap, sausage making, etc). This includes projects that support waste handling and food safety.
➤ Can I apply for non-food projects?
No, this grant is specifically for projects that improve the local supply chain and market access for products intended for human consumption. Products containing marijuana or CBD are not allowed with this grant.
➤ Can I use grant funds for agricultural inputs like fertilizer or implements like a cultivator or green house?
No. This grant is for post-harvest infrastructure improvements. The grant may be used for on-farm infrastructure improvements, but they must be for post-harvest activities like washing, packing, cooling, storing, transporting, etc.
➤ Can I use grant funds to purchase land or real estate?
No.
➤ Is purchasing used equipment acceptable in this program?
Yes, you may purchase used equipment but will need to ensure documentation with a bill of sale that clearly names the grant beneficiary as the purchaser along with and a proof of payment such as a cleared check or money order made out to the seller. Specific guidelines around documentation of purchases will be provided by WSDA at the time of an award.
➤ I have paid a deposit for equipment but have not received it yet? Would the remaining amounts that I owe qualify for this grant?
No. This grant can only cover expenses that have been incurred after the award agreement has been signed.
➤ Is it OK to include multiple items/activities in one grant proposal?
Yes, a variety of items/activities can be included within a single grant application. However, each applicant must select one primary “Project Type.” (Post-harvest handling, Aggregation/Distribution, Processing/Manufacturing, or Retail/Marketing)
➤ Will proposals be funded on an “all or nothing” basis, or will WSDA offer partial funding of a proposed project?
WSDA may offer partial funding to applicants depending on the number/scope of applications received. In the Proposed Budget section of the application, be sure to mark which parts of your budget are prioritized for partial funding.
Grant Awards
➤ How/when will I be notified if I am awarded a grant?
Applicants will receive an email from WSDA notifying them of their award status by the times listed on the grant website.
➤ What happens after I receive an award?
Those awarded a grant will be asked to sign a grant agreement (aka contract) with WSDA. The contract will outline the specific approved activities and budget for the grant. It will also outline the steps for requesting reimbursement, reporting and record-keeping requirements. You must have a signed contract before making any grant related purchases.
➤ Is this grant taxable income?
This grant is considered federally taxable income. WSDA staff cannot provide tax advice. Your accountant can advise you of any tax obligations.
➤ What kind of reporting will be required as a recipient of these funds?
Grant recipients must complete quarterly reports and a final reports using provided survey forms during their grant agreement period of performance. Grant recipients must also complete a Project Outcomes Report one year after their grant end date.
WSDA may conduct a site visit at any time during the grant agreement period and up to three years after the end of the grant and will provide three-day notice. To the extent possible, all site visits will be scheduled on mutually acceptable dates.
➤ Will receiving a grant impact other federal assistance or unemployment insurance eligibility?
You will need to check with those assistance providers.
➤ Where does the funding come from?
This grant comes from the Washington State General Fund. The Washington State Legislature allocated these funds to WSDA for grants to support local food system infrastructure, supply chains, and market access for farms, food processors, and food distributors.
➤ What kind of reporting will be required as a recipient of these funds?
Grant recipients must complete quarterly reports and a final reports using provided survey forms during their grant agreement period of performance. Grant recipients must also complete a Project Outcomes Report one year after their grant end date.WSDA may conduct a site visit at any time during the grant agreement period and up to three years after the end of the grant and will provide three-day notice. To the extent possible, all site visits will be scheduled on mutually acceptable dates.