The West Virginia Farmers Market Association (WVFMA) is pleased to announce that applications are open for its 2026 Mini-Grant Program, offering eligible West Virginia farmers markets up to $5,000 per project to strengthen operations, improve visibility, and better serve vendors and customers. The program is funded by the West Virginia Department of Agriculture.
Grant funds may be used for tangible items that markets will own and use, including coolers, refrigerators, CoolBot trailers, display cases, tents, shade structures, storage, tables and chairs, market fixtures, technology used for market management, customer counters, signage, and promotional materials such as flyers, brochures, and banners.
Eligible applicants must be a West Virginia Department of Agriculture-registered farmers market and a current WVFMA member. Eligible market types include traditional farmers markets, roadside stands, consignment markets, on-farm stands, mobile markets, and online markets. Markets that have previously received a WVFMA mini-grant may apply again. First-time applicants will receive a two-point scoring bonus.
Applications will be evaluated based on the project’s need, goals and expected outcomes, budget, timeline, impact, eligibility, and public benefit. Applicants should clearly explain the need their project will address, identify the items they plan to purchase, provide price estimates, and describe how they will measure the project’s results.
Applications opened August 7, 2026, and must be submitted by September 18, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. EST. Awards may be lower than the amount requested based on project merit and available funding, but no award will exceed $5,000.
The West Virginia Farmers Market Association is a statewide membership-based organization dedicated to strengthening farmers markets, supporting local producers, and expanding access to resources and opportunities that benefit markets and their communities.
For application materials and eligibility information, visit wvfarmers.org/projects/mini-grants/
