Key Takeaways
- Oasthouse Ventures Ltd., a UK-based sustainable business development firm, will invest $104.8 million in Carroll County, Virginia, to establish its first U.S.-based controlled environment agriculture (CEA) facility.
- The 65-acre greenhouse will produce 45 million pounds of tomatoes annually for major retailers across the Northeast, Southeast, and Midwest United States.
- The project will create 118 new jobs and utilize 31,000 tons of Virginia-grown hardwood residuals as a heating source for sustainability.
- The Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) secured the project with a $550,000 grant from the Commonwealth’s Opportunity Fund and a $250,000 grant from the Governor’s Agriculture and Forestry Industries Development Fund.
- This marks Phase I of a three-phase expansion in Southwest Virginia, with additional locations in development.
Oasthouse Ventures Expands into the U.S. with Virginia Greenhouse Project
Governor Glenn Youngkin has announced that Oasthouse Ventures Ltd., a leading UK-based sustainable business development firm specializing in low-carbon greenhouses, will establish its first U.S. controlled environment agriculture (CEA) facility in Carroll County, Virginia. The $104.8 million investment will create 118 jobs and produce 45 million pounds of tomatoes annually for major retailers across the Northeast, Southeast, and Midwest.
“Oasthouse Ventures’ decision to locate its U.S. operations in Virginia is a testament to the advantages that make the Commonwealth the best location in the country for Controlled Environment Agriculture,” said Governor Glenn Youngkin. “This project is a technological leap forward and helps solidify Virginia as a leader in the agriculture and technology industries.”
Sustainability and Economic Benefits
The Carroll County facility will focus on sustainable indoor farming, using more than 31,000 tons of Virginia-grown hardwood residuals annually to heat its greenhouses. This reduces reliance on fossil fuels while supporting local sawmill industries.
“Indoor farming is responsibly changing the way that we make local, sustainable produce for our communities,” said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Caren Merrick. “Not only will Oasthouse Ventures create more than 100 jobs for Virginians, but it will also use local hardwood residuals as a heating source for its greenhouses.”
The facility’s strategic location in the Mount Rogers region was chosen for its proximity to major markets, allowing for fresher produce with reduced transportation costs.
“Our Carroll County facility represents a major step toward building a network of large-scale, sustainable indoor farming operations supplying American-grown fresh produce,” said Ben Alexander, Senior Development Manager at Oasthouse Ventures. “Our first 65-acre greenhouse is just the beginning, and we are excited to play our part in ensuring the United States remains a global leader in agriculture.”
Project Scope and Future Expansion
The first phase of development includes:
- A 65-acre greenhouse at Wildwood Commerce Park, focusing on tomatoes.
- A packaging facility to streamline distribution.
- A daycare center to support employees and their families.
Oasthouse Ventures plans a three-phase expansion, with additional locations already in development.
“This investment is a perfect illustration of what the U.S. and the UK can do together to support rural communities,” said Lord Mandelson, British Ambassador to the United States. “Oasthouse Ventures is a great British company, and I am delighted to see them invest in the Virginia economy.”
Regional and Government Support For Oasthouse Ventures Project
The project has received strong state and local backing, including:
- $550,000 grant from the Commonwealth’s Opportunity Fund.
- $250,000 grant from the Governor’s Agriculture and Forestry Industries Development Fund.
- Support through the Virginia Talent Accelerator Program, the No. 1 customized workforce training program in the U.S., ensuring a skilled workforce for the facility.
Carroll County officials and regional economic development leaders welcomed Oasthouse Ventures, recognizing the project’s impact on the local economy.
“Carroll County and its residents prove once again why Southwest Virginia is the best place for companies like Oasthouse Ventures to do business,” said Senator William Stanley.
“Oasthouse Ventures’ investment strengthens our position as a regional leader in agriculture while creating new jobs and reducing transportation costs,” added Delegate Wren Williams.
