DOVER — The Delaware Council on Farm and Food Policy  is accepting applications for the third cycle of the First State Food System Grant Program.

Funding is available to Delaware farmers and food supply chain entities. The grants will aid the awardees in expanding capacity, coordinating with community partners and building resilience in the food system.
The council has awarded just over $1.3 million since 2022, funding 26 projects.

Cycle 3 funds will prioritize efforts addressing food aggregation, cold storage or transportation. In addition, applicants should describe how their project may benefit more operations than one, how the initiative will enhance the local food system and how it will foster cooperation or facilitate resource sharing. They should also have a sustainability plan to continue the work beyond the grant.

Applicants must complete registration through SAM.gov and provide a unique entity ID. This process may take several weeks.

To be considered for funding as a producer, a farm operation must have an annual sales value of at least $20,000. The enterprise must actively produce no more than 300 acres of fruits, vegetables, other specialty crops or other products for human consumption. Larger-scale producers can apply, but projects should include partnerships with other local entities.

The First State Food System Grant Program will again offer awards from $2,500 to $150,000. Applicants must submit a project that can be completed no later than Oct. 31, 2026, with funds committed no later than Dec. 1, 2025.

All grant applications must be submitted by May 10.

The online application is available at delcf.org/grants.

The funding for this program is provided via the American Rescue Plan Act.

For information, email dda_farmandfoodpolicy@delaware.gov or visit farm-and-food-delaware.hub.arcgis.com.