In June 2024, Governor Glenn Youngkin announced Beanstalk Farms Inc.'s second indoor farm and distribution facility at the Freedom I-66 Industrial Business Park in Manassas. The project includes 18 new jobs and a capital investment of $4.1 million. Beanstalk Farms expects to produce 2.1 million pounds annually of Virginia Grown leafy greens and fresh-cut herbs.
"Congratulations to Beanstalk Farms for their investment in this community and in Virginia," said Governor Youngkin. "I am pleased that the Commonwealth's pro-business climate and partnerships with state and local governments continue to be a factor in securing and scaling up innovative projects such as this. Consumers continue to demand sustainable, locally grown food and increasing the number of indoor farms provides another mechanism of meeting demand and ensuring a more resilient food system."
The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) worked with the Prince William County Department of Economic Development and Tourism (PWCDEDT) to secure this new 33,000 square foot expansion project for the Commonwealth. Governor Youngkin approved a $100,000 grant from the Governor's Agriculture and Forestry Industries Development (AFID) Fund, which Prince William County will match with local funds.
"We are excited to announce the launch of our next-generation farm in Manassas," said Mike Ross, Beanstalk Co-Founder and CEO. "At a 10x lower cost per acre than any other vertical farm, this facility demonstrates a new generation for indoor farming. This facility will provide the Greater Washington, D.C. market with the highest quality fresh produce every week of the year – rain or shine. Strategically located with excellent access to the Mid-Atlantic, bolstered by robust infrastructure, Virginia is the definitive choice for our expansion. We look forward to growing together and furthering innovations that promote a healthy and local food system."
Read more at princewilliamliving.com