Oasthouse Ventures Ltd., a UK-based business development firm specializing in low-carbon greenhouses, will invest $104.8 million in Carroll County, Virginia to establish its first U.S.-based controlled environment agriculture (CEA) operation. The company plans to produce and package over 45 million pounds of tomatoes for distribution to major retailers throughout the Northeast, Southeast, and Midwest United States. In keeping with its focus on sustainability, Oasthouse Ventures plans to source more than 31,000 tons annually of Virginia-grown hardwood residuals from local sawmills to heat its greenhouses. The CEA operation will create 118 new jobs.
“Our Carroll County facility represents a major step toward building a network of large-scale, sustainable indoor farming operations that will supply American-grown fresh produce across the eastern United States,” said Oasthouse Ventures Senior Development Manager Ben Alexander. “Our first greenhouse spanning 65 acres — nearly seven times the footprint of Lane Stadium — is only the beginning of our ambition to reshore fresh produce production closer to the end consumer, whilst creating jobs and prosperity for the region. Our vision is for the very best produce to be grown in the United States using the latest technology. With additional locations in development, we are very excited to play our part in ensuring the United States remain a global leader in agriculture. Additionally, we would like to extend our thanks to Governor Youngkin, Secretary Lohr, VEDP, VDACS, and BRCEDA for their support throughout this process.”
“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. I am pleased to welcome Oasthouse Ventures to Virginia and look forward to their growth.”
“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. We are proud to welcome Oasthouse Ventures to the Commonwealth and thank them for their efforts in advancing the controlled environment agriculture industry in Virginia.”…