ROCKINGHAM COUNTY, VA (Rocktown Now) — Governor Abigail Spanberger announced Tuesday that the Virginia Poultry Growers Cooperative, Inc. will invest $113.9 million to expand operations in Rockingham County, creating 146 new jobs and additional opportunities for poultry growers across the Commonwealth.

The announcement was made during a ceremony in Linville, where state and local leaders praised the cooperative’s multi-phase project as a major boost for Virginia agriculture and the Shenandoah Valley economy.

The expansion includes construction of a nearly two million cubic foot feed mill that officials say will provide the largest grain storage capacity on the East Coast. The project will also add a rail spur at the company’s Linville facility, improve the water treatment system at its Hinton location, and increase turkey processing capacity.

With the added capacity, VPGC expects to process an additional 4.5 million turkeys and purchase 2.4 million more bushels of corn and wheat from Virginia farms over the next three years.

“The Virginia Poultry Growers Cooperative’s historic investment in Rockingham County is a testament to the power of Virginia’s farmers and producers,” Spanberger said. She added that investments like the VPGC project are key to growing business opportunities in rural communities across the state.

Secretary of Commerce and Trade Carrie Chenery said the expansion will create benefits beyond Rockingham County by increasing demand for grain grown by Virginia farmers and strengthening the state’s agricultural supply chain.

Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry Katie Frazier called the project an example of how agriculture continues to drive job creation and economic growth in rural Virginia.

VPGC President and General Manager John King said the cooperative is grateful for support from the Commonwealth and local partners.

“This collaboration underscores Virginia’s commitment to a strong, competitive, and resilient agricultural economy,” King said. “The project will significantly expand our production capabilities while strengthening our contributions to the local communities where we operate.”

Founded in 2004, the grower-owned cooperative returns all profits to its members, helping keep revenue within Virginia. The company has grown into one of the nation’s largest commercial turkey processors offering antibiotic-free and organic products, supplying food processors and distributors worldwide.

Rockingham County Board of Supervisors Chair Leila Longcor said the investment reinforces the county’s status as Virginia’s top agricultural-producing locality.

Shenandoah Valley Partnership Executive Director Jay A. Langston said the project will strengthen the region’s largest economic sector and benefit communities throughout the Valley.

State lawmakers also applauded the announcement, including Delegate Chris Runion and Senator Mark Obenshain, who said the investment supports family farms, creates jobs, and reflects confidence in the Shenandoah Valley’s economy.

To secure the project, the Governor approved a $1 million performance-based grant from the Virginia Investment Performance Grant, a $500,000 grant from the Agriculture and Forestry Industries Development Fund, and a $750,000 grant through the Virginia Rail Industrial Access Program.