Area Development
Shenandoah Growers, Inc. will expand its existing organic herb nursery greenhouse and production facility in Rockingham County, Virginia. The company will invest $6.7 million in its existing facility, significantly increasing production and creating 15 new jobs.

In addition, Shenandoah Growers will invest $2 million to relocate its headquarters and create a finishing system at the new site. The Commonwealth is partnering with Rockingham County and Shenandoah Growers on this project through the Governor’s Agriculture and Forestry Industries Development Fund.

Shenandoah Growers will install a new 78,000 square foot nursery greenhouse and other state-of-the-art technology in its current facility to meet increased demand for its products from major grocery chains. In addition, the company will purchase an existing warehouse and office facility in Rockingham County, which it will renovate into its new headquarters. That facility will also feature a new finishing system for its plants.

“We are very proud to be agriculture entrepreneurs in Virginia and Rockingham County,” said Tim Heydon, Owner of Shenandoah Growers, Inc. “Our AFID partnership exemplifies the commitment among agribusiness, Virginia and Rockingham County to secure and create jobs and ensure that the Commonwealth is at the forefront of agricultural innovation. Rockingham County and the Commonwealth of Virginia have been fundamental to facilitating a business environment that inspires growth and job development and we are very thankful for the continued support.”

The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services partnered with Rockingham County to secure this expansion for Virginia. Governor Terry McAuliffe approved a $100,000 grant from the AFID Fund to assist with the project and Rockingham County will provide a $100,000 cash match. Additional funding and services to support the companies employee training will be provided through the Virginia Jobs Investment Program, administered by the Virginia Economic Development Partnership.

“Shenandoah Growers’ entrepreneurial spirit makes it a model for the role that agribusiness will play in building the new Virginia economy,” said Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry Todd Haymore. "The company has established itself as a significant player in Virginia agriculture through a reputation for technology, sustainability, and an innovative product line. That reputation will be enhanced in this expansion as Shenandoah Growers implements a series of proprietary technologies to increase greenhouse production and improve the quality and yield of each plant produced. These investments will fuel the company's expansion into major markets across the Southern and Midwestern United States, bringing high-quality, Virginia-grown products to millions of Americans."