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Area Development - Site Selection, Facility Planning and Workforce Development

Ragged Branch Distillery Opens Production Distillery In Albemarle County, Virginia

04/20/2017
Ragged Branch Distillery will invest $225,000 to open a craft spirits production operation, which will source 100% of its grain from local producers, and create four new jobs over the next three years in Albemarle County, Virginia.

“I want to thank Governor McAuliffe, the Commonwealth of Virginia, Secretary Gooden, the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, and Albemarle County for this generous grant,” said Ragged Branch Distillery Partner Alex Toomy. “We are firmly committed to Albemarle County as the ideal location to produce our Virginia Straight Bourbon Whiskey from locally sourced crops. Albemarle County, and Virginia at large, are important partners in our effort to produce an authentic Virginia product that, we hope, will be a source of pride for the area for years to come.”

As an incentive, the Commonwealth is partnering with Albemarle County and Ragged Branch Distillery on this project through the Governor’s Agriculture and Forestry Industries Development Fund.

Governor Terry McAuliffe approved a $17,000 grant from the AFID Fund to assist with the project, which Albemarle County is matching with local funds. The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) administers the Governor’s Agriculture and Forestry Industries Development (AFID) Fund.

“Ragged Branch Distillery will be an economic driver for tourism, agriculture and manufacturing in Albemarle County,” said Governor Terry McAuliffe. “Building a new Virginia economy means growing new businesses that create jobs and opportunity across economic sectors. The craft distilled spirits industry is thriving in our Commonwealth and I am proud to contribute to its success, both as Governor and as a customer.”

“Opening a new distillery located on a farm is indicative of the direct connection between our craft beverage makers and their agricultural inputs,” said Virginia Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry Basil Gooden. “Ragged Branch Distillery’s continued investment in Albemarle County represents the company’s commitment to the region and to Virginia’s grain producers, who are successfully marketing their Virginia-grown inputs to the craft beer and distilled spirit industries.”

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