Area Development
Richlands Creamery will invest $1.7 million in Dinwiddie County to create a new commercial creamery at its Dairy Farm, a commercial dairy and agritourism destination, 62 miles southwest of Richmond, near the Town of Blackstone, Virginia.

As an incentive, Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services worked with Dinwiddie County to secure this project for Virginia. Governor Northam approved a $20,000 grant from the Governor’s Agriculture and Forestry Industries Development Fund, which Dinwiddie County will match with local funds.

“We are so grateful to receive an AFID grant for Richlands Creamery. This grant will allow us to build a milk processing facility with a retail store front to bottle and direct market milk and the best tasting ice cream in Virginia,” said Coley Jones Drinkwater, President of Richlands Creamery.

“This in turn, will keep us from joining the mass exodus of dairy farms across the United States and preserve rural Virginia for all Commonwealth residents and visitors to enjoy during our various agritourism events throughout the year,” Drinkwater added.

According to Governor Ralph Northam’s Office, as part of this project, Richlands Creamery is committing to purchasing 100% of its agricultural inputs from Virginia farmers, totaling nearly $1 million.

“I am pleased to announce that Richlands Creamery will soon begin operations in Dinwiddie County,” said Governor Northam. “Their commitment to investing in Virginia’s farmers and agricultural products will further strengthen our economy, churn out new jobs, and pave the way for entrepreneurs with unique business models. This is exactly the kind of new opportunity my administration will continue working to create for families in very corner of the Commonwealth.”

“This investment by Richlands Creamery is great news for Dinwiddie County and the Commonwealth as it creates a new market for local milk and an important new agritourism destination that will draw visitors to the region,” said Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry Bettina Ring. “I am thrilled to partner with Dinwiddie County and the Virginia Tobacco Commission to help make this project a reality. This shows how working together, we can strengthen our economy to attract new jobs and investment to Virginia.”

“Richlands Dairy embodies the heart and soul of Dinwiddie County,” said Dr. Mark E. Moore, Chairman of the Dinwiddie Board of Supervisors. “Its agricultural foundation and family-oriented operation enriches the lives of Dinwiddie citizens and those in Nottoway County as well. We are excited about their expansion and look forward to being home to Richlands Creamery.”