Food processing & Agribusiness

Food Processing and Agribusiness companies find “A Natural Fit” in Virginia’s New River Valley. The region combines a skilled workforce, plentiful water, affordable land, and a legacy of agriculture that creates ideal conditions for growth and innovation.

Industry Stats

73 Food & Beverage Processors

2,294 Farms Totaling 400,000+ Acres

1.7 Billion Gallons Average Daily River Flow

Business Advantages

The New River

Reliable & Abundant – The New River has an average daily flow of 1.7-billion gallons and is a very reliable, clean water source. There is also adequate infrastructure in place to process waste water.

Brand Appeal – The New River offers a unique brand position for specialty beverages. It is an ancient river system that is said to be the oldest in North America and second oldest in the world.

Virginia Tech

R&D – The College of Agriculture & Life Sciences ranks #6 in the U.S. with over $101 million in research spending (2015). Areas of strength include Food Science & Technology, Dairy Science, Animal & Poultry Science, and Crop & Soil Environmental Sciences.

Access to Talent – Students from the Food Science & Technology Department are highly sought after and graduate with job offers, and many of these students want to stay in the region post-graduation.

Location

Access to Markets – Centrally located in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States along I-81, the NRV is within a day’s drive of major markets in the Northeast, Southeast and Midwest.

Growing Conditions – Nestled in the Blue Ridge mountains, the NRV’s elevation, averaging 2,300 ft, and geocoordinates provide a mild climate with excellent solar radiation for agribusinesses.

Quality of Life Advantages

Find Your Escape

Rich in natural resources, activities, and breathtaking views, the outdoors in the NRV provides a constant source of entertainment for adrenaline junkies and leisure-seekers alike.  Whether you want to spend your time relaxing on the water, hiking up a mountain, or biking on roads or trails, Virginia’s New River Valley has something unique to offer you.

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Live Here in the NRV. Cascasde Waterfall

Savor The Good Life

Affordability isn’t just a perk, it’s a part of who we are. It’s intentional small-town living, where you’ll always feel at home.

Embrace The Beauty Of Every Season

We experience each season in a beautifully striking, yet mild manner. Fiery leaves engulf the trees each fall until winter comes crisp and fleetingly. Spring returns and the mountains burst to life to welcome in the summer, which settles in and pulls you out of the house for endless adventure.

Major Employers

Business Advantages

Location. Location. Location.

The New River

Reliable & Abundant – The New River has an average daily flow of 1.7-billion gallons and is a very reliable, clean water source. There is also adequate infrastructure in place to process waste water.

Brand Appeal – The New River offers a unique brand position for specialty beverages. It is an ancient river system that is said to be the oldest in North America and second oldest in the world

The Perfect Place for Growth

Growing Conditions – Nestled in the Blue Ridge mountains, the NRV’s elevation, averaging 2,300 ft, and geocoordinates provide a mild climate with excellent solar radiation for agribusinesses.

Access to Markets – Centrally located in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States along I-81, the NRV is within a day’s drive of major markets in the Northeast, Southeast and Midwest.

Talent

The workforce is both entrepreneurial in spirit and loyal; employees tend to stay here for a long time. Plus, institutions like Virginia Tech, Radford University, and New River Community College provide ample researchers, upper-level talent, and technically skilled employees.

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Research & Development Opportunities

Access a sophisticated culture of research and innovation through our world class universities and an array of companies that are pushing the boundaries of their industries. Join a region that combines hometown warmth with big city research. (Photo by Virginia Tech)

Virginia Tech College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

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Agribusiness

Agriculture has been a staple of the NRV economy for centuries. Red Sun Farms has an 18-acre, high-tech greenhouse where they grow hydroponic tomatoes. Riverstone Organic Farm is a locally based grower of organic produce. The NRV is also home to Hillside Farms, a free range robotic dairy, and the Virginia Tech Dairy Science Complex.

Specialty Products

The NRV’s creative vibe, connection to nature and entrepreneurial spirit has produced a growing specialty product scene. Red Rooster Coffee is just one of our premier specialty coffee roasting companies. Obis One is a producer of locally sourced organic black garlic products.  Places like the Millstone Kitchen further supports this vibrant ecosystem by providing food entrepreneurs with access to state-of-the-art equipment and business support services. The region is also home some to a growing number of local craft breweries and wineries, each with its own flair.

Farm-to-Table

The NRV is full of passionate people who care about the natural environment and locally sourced food. The 7 farmers markets in the NRV each have a unique vibe and serve as community gathering places. Good Food Good People supports farm-to-table practices in the NRV by connecting farmers with consumers. Organizations like Live Work Eat Grow continue to cultivate the vibrant communities by supporting sustainable food systems and by providing small food businesses with the support they need to succeed.

Foreign Trade Zone #238

A foreign trade zone (FTZ) is a secure and enclosed area, located near or in a Port of Entry. An FTZ is considered to be outside U.S. customs territory, meaning that foreign and domestic materials or merchandise may be moved into it without being subject to U.S. customs duties until the goods enter U.S. commerce. The New River Valley is a part of FTZ #238.

Primary Sub-Sectors

Specialty Food & Beverages

Breweries, Wineries & Distilleries

Value-Add Agriculture

Packaging

“This is a third-generation winery. This whole place is family-owned - and it started as a hobby in the basement... We went from 1000 cases to 70,000.”

David Morrisette, Chateau Morrisette Owner

Featured Sites & Buildings

Virginia’s New River Valley is much more than an area with beautiful scenery and diverse people. It is a perfect location to let your business flourish. Explore available sites and buildings in the NRV that are “A Natural Fit” to help your business grow.

Industry Culture in the NRV

Agribusiness

Agriculture has been a staple of the NRV economy for centuries. Red Sun Farms has an 18-acre, high-tech greenhouse where they grow hydroponic tomatoes. Riverstone Organic Farm is a locally based grower of organic produce. The NRV is also home to Hillside Farms, a free range robotic dairy, and the Virginia Tech Dairy Science Complex.

Specialty Products

The NRV’s creative vibe, connection to nature and entrepreneurial spirit has produced a growing specialty product scene. Red Rooster Coffee is just one of our premier specialty coffee roasting companies. Obis One is a producer of locally sourced organic black garlic products.  Places like the Millstone Kitchen further supports this vibrant ecosystem by providing food entrepreneurs with access to state-of-the-art equipment and business support services. The region is also home some to a growing number of local craft breweries and wineries, each with its own flair.

Farm-to-Table

The NRV is full of passionate people who care about the natural environment and locally sourced food. The 11 farmers markets in the NRV each have a unique vibe and serve as community gathering places. Good Food Good People supports farm-totable practices in the NRV by connecting farmers with consumers. Organizations like Live Work Eat Grow continue to cultivate the vibrant communities by supporting sustainable food systems and by providing small food businesses with the support they need to succeed.

LOCAL TRAINING & DEGREE PROGRAMS

Virginia Tech’s Department of Food Science & Technology

Programs & Training – Almost 100% of graduates have jobs in product development, research, sales and marketing, quality assurance, production management, analytical/technical services and regulatory affairs at graduation – and many wish to stay in the area.

Food Processing & Packaging Pilot Plant – The 7,100-square-foot space provides a vital resource for food companies that are just starting up or are evaluation new equipment, processes and product lines. The facility features chilled water, vacuum, air, natural gas, steam, C02, N2; pasteurizers and retort for sterilization, temperature-controlled storage, vacuum packaging machine, product batching and mixing capabilities, and malting, brewing and distillation equipment.

Sensory Evaluation Laboratory – A state-of-the art facility that food companies can use to explore emotional responses to ingredients, packaging and marketing. The facility features 10 individual panelist booths equipped with observational cameras with synchronous video recording software and automated facial expression analysis software.

Food & Beverage Fermentation Option – Food & Beverage Fermentation is one of the four degree options available to Department of Food Science & Technology students. This brewing program was recognized by the Master Brewers Association of the Americas in 2017, and is one of 12 programs in North America to receive this honor.

FOREIGN TRADE ZONE #238

A foreign trade zone (FTZ) is a secure and enclosed area, located near or in a Port of Entry. An FTZ is considered to be outside U.S. customs territory, meaning that foreign and domestic materials or merchandise may be moved into it without being subject to U.S. customs duties until the goods enter U.S. commerce. The New River Valley is a part of FTZ #238.

“It is an excellent time for food and beverage processing in the NRV. Virginia Tech’s Food Science & Technology Department has partnered with many industry leaders in food and beverage processing to provide expertise and state-of-the-art facilities in the NRV. We welcome this; it helps further industry and provide meaningful experience for students.”

Dr. Joe Marcy, Virginia Tech Food Science & Technology Department Head

Top 25% Best Places for Food Manufacturing
– Global Location Strategies, 2025
Top 100 Universities List Worldwide for Utility Patents, Virginia Tech
– National Academy of Inventors, 2024
1,937 Farms in the NRV Totaling 331,000+ Acres
– U.S. Department of Agriculture, 2022
#10 Biological and Agricultural Engineering Program; Virginia Tech CALS
– US News and World Report Best Undergraduate Programs, 2024
Top 100 Leading Location for New & Expanding Businesses
– Area Development, 2024
1.7 Billion Gallons Average Daily Flow of the New River
– United States Geological Survey, 2016

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