$113.9M Agribusiness Expansion Strengthens Shenandoah Valley’s Supply Chain
ROCKINGHAM COUNTY, VA (Apr. 15, 2026) — A major agribusiness investment is set to further solidify Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley as one of the nation’s premier food production regions. Virginia Poultry Growers Cooperative, Inc. (VPGC) is investing $113.9 million to expand its operations in Rockingham County, a move expected to create 146 new jobs and significantly increase regional processing capacity.
The centerpiece of the project is a new, high-capacity feed mill designed to dramatically scale grain handling and storage capabilities. Once operational, the facility will support millions of additional turkeys annually, while driving increased demand for Virginia-grown commodities—strengthening the link between local agriculture and large-scale food manufacturing.
Beyond new construction, the expansion includes targeted upgrades to transportation and utility infrastructure, including enhanced rail access and system improvements across existing facilities. Together, these investments are expected to improve operational efficiency and expand opportunities for growers throughout the region.
As a grower-owned cooperative, VPGC plays a unique role in the agricultural economy, returning earnings directly to its members and reinvesting in long-term production capacity. The company has steadily evolved into a major supplier of poultry products, including antibiotic-free and organic offerings, serving both national and international markets.
Economic development officials point to the project as a strong example of how value-added agriculture continues to drive rural economies. By expanding processing capabilities alongside farm-level production, the investment reinforces a vertically integrated supply chain that benefits producers, manufacturers, and local communities alike.
The project was supported through a coordinated effort involving the Virginia Economic Development Partnership, state agriculture leaders, regional partners, and local officials. A package of state-backed incentives—focused on capital investment, agricultural sourcing, and rail infrastructure—helped bring the expansion to fruition.
With construction and expansion underway, the project positions Rockingham County—and the broader Shenandoah Valley—for continued growth at the intersection of agriculture and advanced food production.
