2026 Catalyzing Agroforestry Grant Program applications close on March 3, 2026.
Catalyzing Agroforestry
Grant Program
The application deadline for the 2026 Catalyzing Agroforestry Grant Program is March 3, 2026. Applications received after that time will be kept and considered for the next round of Catalyzing Agroforestry Grant Program. Read the information below to learn about this program and how you can apply.
About Catalyzing Agroforestry Grant Program & Partners
The Catalyzing Agroforestry Grant Program is an initiative funded by Edwards Mother Earth Foundation (EMEF) and managed by Virginia Tech University. This is made possible by regional partnerships with North Carolina State University, Appalachian Sustainable Development, Rural Action, and SilvoCulture.
Direct financial support is available for farmers who seek to join our effort to mitigate climate change through agroforestry. Agroforestry practices and applications sequester carbon, sustain productive and healthy farms and forests, protect water quality, regenerate soils, and enhance biodiversity.
The ultimate goal of the effort is to increase ecosystem sustainability and diversity by scaling up agroforestry across the United States. To achieve this goal, assistance is available for selected projects through regional partners, management of funds and technical assistance. The CAGP program also supports the Agroforestry Regional Knowledge Exchange Network (ARKx) that serves as a framework for future growth of agroforestry adoption. The ARKx Network supports ecocultural learning, workforce development, and networking of producer peers, nonprofit organizations, academic institutions, and governmental and nongovernmental partners.
The Catalyzing Agroforestry Grant Program is a competitive grants program focused on implementing the following agroforestry practices: Alley cropping, Forest farming, Riparian forest buffers, Silvopasture, Urban food forest, and Windbreaks. In the first two cycles of the program, 100+ producers from 18 states were awarded funding for agroforestry projects. Read about Edwards Mother Earth Foundation's commitment to agroforestry here.
How CAGP Works
If your CAGP project is selected, there will be communication and consultations, followed by site visits from one of our regional partners. Awardees are reimbursed for expenses upon completion of the project.
Agroforestry assistance is available to producers in all States. The program provides up to:
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$1500/acre for all field-based agroforestry practices: alley cropping, riparian forest buffers, silvopasture, urban food forests, and windbreaks, depending on project scale and scope.
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For forest farming, the program will provide up to $1,000 for 1/4 acre and up to $500/acre for site preparation depending on project scale and scope.
CAGP Funds may be used to prepare sites, purchase planting stock, rent equipment, acquire and install tree protection, and pay contractors.
Funding will not be provided to buy or treat animals, pay for producer time, thin woodlands, or buy large equipment (e.g., augers, all-terrain vehicles, scalpers, tractors).
To enhance shared learning among current and future producers, awardees are asked share successes and lessons-learned with peers and other interested stakeholders via the Agroforestry Regional Knowledge Exchange Network or other means to be decided after project completion.
2022 CAGP Projects Map
2026 ARKx Map
CAGP Application
**Please read before applying!**
We are dedicated to making this application process accessible to all interested producers, including those with limited internet and technology access. Please choose the best application method for you.
To apply for the Catalyzing Agroforestry Grant Program, please complete and submit an application and Time and Budget worksheet. Be sure to fill out both parts: the application and budget worksheet to the best of your ability, and include supporting documentation. Please note that your application will not be complete until you return your completed application and the Time and Budget Worksheet.
Strong applications will include supporting documentation to aid project narratives. Examples include annotated maps or aerial imagery, existing planning documents, business plans, farm newsletters, promotional videos, product lists, and website links. Please be sure to label photos and documents with your farm name.
Send questions to CAGP contact: Patrick Bowers at Virginia Tech [bpatri8@vt.edu].
Thank you for your interest in Catalyzing Agroforestry!