Handsome Brook Farm, a New York-based company, will invest $6.4 million in a new pasture raised egg processing operation in Berryville, Virginia.
The potential operation represents a commitment to purchase more than $50 million worth of Virginia-sources eggs over the next three years, according to a press release from Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe. The company will contract with over 100 farms in the state to raise eggs to be processed there.
“We are delighted to be in partnership with the Commonwealth of Virginia on this exciting project, and look forward to working together to further agricultural development in the commonwealth,” said Betsy Babcock, founder of Handsome Brook Farm.
Handsome Brook Farm is purchasing the former Winchester Cold Storage facility in Berryville and convert it into an egg processing facility. When operational, the egg plant will employ about 100 people.
“I commend Handsome Brook Farm for choosing to invest in Virginia, as this will not only create jobs here in Berryville and Clarke County, but will also give our farmers a new market for pasture-raised eggs. This project highlights the vital role agriculture plays in the commonwealth and we will continue to support these kinds of entrepreneurial projects as we build the new Virginia economy,” McAuliffe stated.
Handsome Brook Farm currently produces pasture raised eggs on farms in New York, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Maryland, Kentucky, and Virginia. Handsome Brook Farm Pasture Raised Eggs, in both organic and non-GMO options, are available through retailers at over 4,000 locations throughout the United States including Kroger, Publix, Sprouts, Whole Foods, Harris Teeter, Wegman's, and independent and natural retailers.
