Virginia issues grants for new ham facility

Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin recently confirmed meat company Darden Hams would invest $1.2 million to build a new 7,200-square-foot plant on a 10-acre site in Isle of Wight County to meet growing demand.

The office of the governor said the project would bring country ham production back to the area known as the “Ham Capital of the World,” and expand the market for ham products. Darden Hams is committing to purchase $306,331or 300,942 lbs of Virginia-grown pork.

“Virginia’s economy grows stronger when our local businesses expand, invest and create new opportunities right here at home,” Youngkin said. “Darden Hams’ expansion reflects the strength of Virginia agriculture, the Commonwealth’s largest private industry, and the confidence that family-owned businesses have in our economy and our communities. I congratulate the Darden family on this exciting milestone and thank them for continuing to grow and invest in Isle of Wight County.”

Darden Hams plans to expand production of its Darden’s Country, which will be produced as a product line under TLD Hams, LLC, doing business as Darden Hams.

Along with having a new and efficient curing and smoking operation, Darden’s new facility will offer more than five times the company’s current production capacity, as well as a warehouse, processing area, and a show kitchen for demonstrations and product tastings.

Darden Hams will seek a USDA grant of inspection for the facility, which will allow the company to sell products online and through wholesale interstate distribution.