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The economic growth continues for Prince Edward County. On Thursday, Dec. 28, Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin announced that 5 Pillar Meats has agreed to build a facility in the county. The agreement will bring in 12 new jobs, with the company agreeing to invest $1.7 million in a 3,000-square foot complex. That’ll be built on a 3-acre site in the Prince Edward County Business Park on Dominion Drive in Farmville. 

One of the problems livestock farmers in Prince Edward and the surrounding area deal with is the fact there are limited places USDA certified for slaughter. The new facility will provide processing services, under USDA inspection, for Southside producers with a focus on beef, lamb, and goats. According to their statement, 5 Pillar Meats will source all livestock from local 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. 

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

The deal came together thanks in part to a $50,000 grant from the Governor’s Agriculture and Forestry Industries Development (AFID)  Fund, which is designed to help economic development in rural areas. 

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

5 Pillar Meats looks ahead 

5 Pillar CEO Qadir Abdus-Sabur said he was glad to see the project come together. 

 “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,” Abdus-Sabur said. “Families, local restaurants, hotels, and others can enjoy locally raised, harvested, and processed meat/meat products. We look forward to serving our community.” 

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. 

As part of the deal, Prince Edward County agreed to match the $50,000 from the AFID Fund. 

The project is also receiving support through a $75,000 grant from the Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission.  

“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.” 

“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,” added State Sen. Mark Peake.