Reaching Farms Across Metro Atlanta With Flexible Funding

Thriving, well-supported farms are at the center of a robust local food system that can nourish us all. Local farmers bring skill, dedication, and passion to metro Atlanta, filling roles as leaders, business owners, educators, community builders, and environmental stewards. However, small-scale, sustainable farms often face challenges in accessing the funding and resources needed to sustain themselves and grow.

In 2026, Food Well Alliance aims to deploy a total of $282,000 in Farms Grants through two types of support: an $8,000 Farm Support Grant for 29 farms and a larger $25,000 Farm Forward Grant for two farms undertaking undertaking significant capacity building projects. These 2 categories of farm grant support ensure that Food Well is reaching a large number of farms across metro Atlanta with funding support, while also providing the opportunity for a couple of farms to take on larger farm improvement projects to move their farms forward in growing healthy, local food for others.

Farms will identify their top needs and challenges and explain how a Farm Grant would help address them. As with previous opportunities, Farm Grant funds can be used in whatever way best supports each farm’s operations. Examples of ways farms use the funding support could include:

• Completing farm infrastructure projects (season extension, post-harvest handling, market ready infrastructure)

• Improving or expanding production areas

• Supporting farm personnel costs

• Purchasing vital equipment

• Materials, or supplies for farm operation

• Accessing professional services or farmer training

These grants can be used in addition to the line-up of ongoing farm-focused resources that Food Well provides to help farms thrive, including our spring compost delivery, Farm Labor Support, Special Project Labor Support, Mechanical Assistance, and other resources.

Applications for the 2026 Farm Grant are due by January 11, 2026 at 11:59 PM. In addition to completing the application form, a site visit with the farm applicant in January or early February 2026 may be required. Application decisions will be targeted to be announced to applicants the week of February 27.

Applications are due on January 11, 2026 at 11:59 PM

Have questions about the Farm Grants Application Process?

Applying for Farm Grants

Two Categories of Support Under One Application Process

A farm applicant is eligible to apply for both the $8,000 Farm Support Grant and the $25,000 Farm Forward Grant through one application, but will only receive one category of support if selected. This approach gives applicants the chance to receive the $8,000 Farm Support Grant if they’re not selected for the $25,000 Farm Forward Grant.

Applications for the 2026 Farm Grants are accepted through our online grant system and are due by January 11, 2026 at 11:59 PM. In addition to completing the application form, a site visit with the farm applicant in January or early February 2026 may be required. Decisions will be announced in late February.

Who can apply for our Farm Grants?

The 2026 Farm Support Grant and Farm Forward Grant are farm-focused opportunities available to:

• Registered farm operations (farm businesses/enterprises and nonprofit farms located in Clayton, Cobb, DeKalb, Fulton, or Gwinnett counties).

• Farms that consistently make their food and farm products available for community consumption through means such as: selling at a local farmers market, through a CSA-style program, direct to local consumers (farmstand, online sales, or other direct means), and/or through other consistent, publicly available sales channels (local retail, restaurants, regular donation partnership, etc).

• Farm applicants must provide documentation of businesses license, registration of organization, or tax-exempt status documentation to be considered (space within the application to upload documentation).

Funds should be used by the farm by Fall 2026, when farms will need to submit a brief report on the use of their Farm Support Grant & how it supported their farm. Reports will be due November 30, 2026. The Farm Support Grant can be combined with additional funding from other sources.

Farm Grants FAQs

How can a farm use the Farm Support Grant or Farm Forward Grant?  

Farmers can use the funds under either category (Farm Support Grant or Farm Forward Grant) in many ways including but not limited to:

• Accomplishing farm infrastructure projects or season extension infrastructure (like high tunnels, caterpillar tunnels, row cover supplies), farm irrigation projects, cold storage, wash/pack station improvements, etc.

• Improving or expanding production space or capacity

• Adding farm equipment, tools, materials, supplies, and inputs

• Supporting farm personnel costs

• Accessing training opportunities, professional development or professional services–like marketing, online sales channel setup, consulting, etc.

Are there any special requirements or considerations to apply for the $25,000 Farm Forward Grant?

The $25,000 Farm Forward Grant application can include multiple components to help a farmer address their current needs and move their farm operation forward, but the application should center a specific project of focus in the grant request. With a larger grant amount and project, a farm applicant should think through and describe their plan for project implementation if approved for this category of support.

How do I apply?

Applications for the 2026 Farm Support Grants are accepted through our online grant system. A site visit might be requested to discuss an applicant’s farm operation and plans for using the grant funds. Registration in the online grant system is required to start an application. Get started in the online system here.

Can an applicant combine other funding (farm’s own investment, other fundraising, etc.) to this opportunity to help complete a project or plan?

Yes. There is a brief section in the application for the farm applicant to describe those plans and any additional funding sources that you might use to accomplish a project or task. 

What are you looking for in the application? 

A strong application, for either category of grant support, will offer a clear, realistic plan for using grant funds and make a direct link to how the grant can contribute towards addressing a farm’s current needs or obstacles. Clearly describe the farm’s role in metro Atlanta’s local food system, the vision for the farm, the current challenges, and how those challenges hinder the farm’s ability to achieve its objectives or vision. Think about how a grant project and its proposed activities can start making the desired changes in your farm’s operation.

If I receive the grant, can I still receive additional resources from Food Well?

Yes, farms can combine this funding support with all of the farm resources that Food Well offers on an ongoing basis throughout the year (compost delivery, labor support, mechanical support, etc.).

If I receive the grant, are there any sort of reporting requirements?

Recipients of the 2026 Farm Grants will need to submit a brief report through the online system by November 30, 2026 detailing the use of the funds and reflections on how the grant supported their farm. Detailed reporting instructions will be provided to recipients. 

What is the timeline for this grant opportunity?

Food Well will accept applications until January 11, 2026 at 11:59pm. In the event a site visit is requested, those visits will take place in January and February 2026. Application decisions will be announced to applicants the in late February 2026.

2026 Farm Grant recipients will need to use the funds by November 1, 2026 and a project report completed in November 30, 2026.

2025 Farm Grant Recipients

In 2024, the Farm Support Grant and Farm Forward Grant supported 31 metro Atlanta farmers totaling $282,000 in direct funds. Through the grant, farmers can tackle their biggest challenges and invest in what their operations need most. Check out this year’s recipients below!

Farm Forward Grant

1. Southern Cap Mushrooms

2. Patchwork City Farms

Farm Support Grant