The new 3,000 square-foot multi-species, abattoir and red meat processing facility will provide processing services, under USDA inspection, for southside Virginia producers with a focus on beef, lamb, and goats.
“We are happy to have the opportunity to offer this service to small and large producers alike who have had limited access to USDA inspected processing of their livestock Now, both will be able to market to the public,” said 5 Pillar Meats CEO Qadir Abdus-Sabur. “Families, local restaurants, hotels, and others can enjoy locally raised, harvested, and processed meat/meat products. We look forward to serving our community.”
The Governor’s office approved a $50,000 grant from the Governor’s Agriculture and Forestry Industries Development (AFID) Fund, which Prince Edward County will match with local funds. The project is also receiving support through a $75,000 grant from the Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission.
“I thank 5 Pillar Meats for their investment in Farmville and in southside Virginia livestock producers,” noted Governor Glenn Youngkin. “This is the type of project that the AFID grant program was designed for as it creates rural jobs, encourages economic development, and promotes agriculture, Virginia’s largest private industry.”
The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) worked with the Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission, Prince Edward County and the Prince Edward County Industrial Development Authority to secure the project.
“We heard from numerous livestock producers that more meat processing facilities are needed throughout the state,” added Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry Matt Lohr. “The addition of 5 Pillar Meats will provide that service for area livestock producers, while also creating jobs, and providing another protein resource for Farmville and Prince Edward County.”
Establish in Prince Edward County, 5 Pillar Meats will provide both an outlet for area producers and fresh meat that is locally sourced from a name and face well known in the community.