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Area Development - Site Selection, Facility Planning and Workforce Development

Better Future Farms Plans Louisa County, Virginia, Hydroponic Greenhouse-Processing Facility

04/06/2023
Better Future Farms, Inc. will locate a hydroponic greenhouse and processing facility on a 61-acre site in the Louisa County, Virginia.

The facility is expected to produce several million pounds of leafy greens per year. Better Future Farms has a sales agreement for its production with Taylor Farms, the nation’s largest salad and fresh-cut vegetable producer.

“This is another step in the evolution of our 28-year journey to provide fresh, high-quality produce to customers across North America,” said Bruce Taylor, Better Future Farms Chairman and CEO. “We look forward to bringing local, greenhouse grown lettuce to Virginia and the Mid-Atlantic region.”

The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) and the Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) worked with Louisa County and the Louisa County Industrial Development Authority to secure the project. Governor Youngkin approved a $200,000 grant from the Governor’s Agriculture and Forestry Industries Development Fund, which Louisa County will match with local funds.

“Better Future Farms’ world-class indoor greenhouse operation in Louisa County will bring new year-round jobs and strengthen Virginia’s standing as a top state in the controlled environment agriculture industry,” noted Secretary of Commerce and Trade Caren Merrick. “An investment like this provides not only a highly sustainable leafy greens source, it also represents growing career opportunities for Virginians.

Support for Better Future Farms’ job creation will be provided through the Virginia Talent Accelerator Program, a workforce initiative created by VEDP in collaboration with the Virginia Community College System and other higher education partners, with funding support from the Governor’s administration and the Virginia General Assembly. Launched in 2019, the program accelerates new facility start-ups through the direct delivery of recruitment and training services that are fully customized to a company’s unique products, processes, equipment, standards, and culture. All program services are provided at no cost to qualified new and expanding companies as an incentive for job creation.

“This investment in controlled environment agriculture helps boost the Commonwealth’s position as a leader in the next generation agricultural sector,” added Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry Matthew Lohr. “I am pleased that the Commonwealth could partner with Louisa County through the Governor’s AFID Fund to secure this exciting win for Virginia.”

Better Future Farms is poised to become one of the largest leafy greens CEA producers in the U.S. The company recently secured funding through Generate Capital, a leading sustainable infrastructure investment and operating platform.

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