Russell County business awarded state grant
Gov. Abigail Spanberger announced the award of 14 Governor’s Agriculture and Forestry Industries Development (AFID) Fund Infrastructure Grants to support projects that will establish and expand opportunities for local producers and strengthen local food systems. Grants totaling more than $507,000 were awarded to 14 different localities to fund a range of projects including animal and wood products processing facilities, a shared-use cannery and commercial kitchens, farmers market, creamery expansion, produce packing facility, and the creation of a new regional livestock marketing complex.
“The success of Virginia agriculture depends on the ability of all farmers across the Commonwealth to succeed,” said Spanberger. “These infrastructure grants are extremely beneficial for the state’s small and mid-size farms, helping to bridge the gap between farmers and consumers. Modernizing local food supply infrastructure is a win-win for Virginia — it supports local agriculture and strengthens communities with improved access to fresh, locally grown food.”
“Congratulations to the 14 localities and projects receiving AFID Infrastructure Grant funding,” said Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry Katie Frazier. “Each of these projects shares a common goal of improving and diversifying market access for producers. By growing markets and expanding the customer base, these projects spur economic development, encourage entrepreneurship, and help create new jobs in rural areas of the state. In addition, improving food supply infrastructure like cold storage, transportation networks, and processing facilities, helps to minimize food waste, reduce emissions, lower costs for consumers, and protect against economic instability.”
Administered by the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, the AFID Infrastructure Grant Program awards reimbursable awards to political subdivisions in the Commonwealth for projects such as farmers markets; businesses or organizations that manage the aggregation, distribution, and marketing of food products primarily from local and regional producers; and locally owned processing facilities.
Recipients include:
Russell County, Redbud Creamery — $10,000
Redbud Creamery, a small micro goat dairy that produces cheese, Grade A goat yogurt, and Grade A pasteurized goat milk, is expanding its Nubian and Nigerian Dwarf goat herd. Grant funding will aid in the purchase of two 15-gallon vat pasteurizers, PMO-compliant digital indicating thermometers, a 30-gallon cooling bulk tank, and an additional refrigerator for product storage. Additional milk production will allow Redbud Creamery to expand product lines and hire additional employees.
