Old Dominion News

RICHMOND, VA – Governor Glenn Youngkin announced today that 5 Pillar Meats, LLC will create 12 new jobs and invest more than $1.7 million to build a new, multi-species, abattoir and red meat processing facility. The nearly 3,000 square-foot building will be constructed on a 3-acre site in the Prince Edward County Business Park in Farmville on Dominion Drive.  

The new facility will provide processing services, under USDA inspection, for southside Virginia producers with a focus on beef, lamb, and goats. 5 Pillar Meats will source all livestock from Virginia farms and will offer processing of wholesale and retail cuts for restaurants, hotels, grocers and retail consumers, especially those seeking Halal meats. A variety of fresh cut meats will also be available through the company’s small on-site retail store. 

“I thank 5 Pillar Meats for their investment in Farmville and in southside Virginia livestock producers,” said 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.” 

“We heard from numerous livestock producers that more meat processing facilities are needed throughout the state,” said 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.” 

“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.” 

“On behalf of the Prince Edward County Board of Supervisors I wish to congratulate 5 Pillar Meats on the AFID Grant award,” said Prince Edward County Board Chairman Llew Gilliam. “I believe the ultimate decision to locate this facility in the Prince Edward County Business Park was a win for 5 Pillar and the community. I also want to thank our staff and the IDA Board for shepherding 5 Pillar through the development process.” 

“I welcome 5 Pillar Meats to Farmville and Prince Edward County and appreciate their investment in our community,” said Delegate James Edmunds. 

“Agriculture is the backbone of our community, and 5 Pillar Meats’ new facility strengthens the ability of producers in our area and provides a new source of fresh local meats for our residents,” said Senator Mark Peake. 

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 for the Commonwealth. Governor Youngkin 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.  

Original source can be found here.