CHARLOTTESVILLLE, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) – A $962,958 grant will help New Hill Development Corporation construct a shared-use commercial kitchen in Charlottesville.

Gov. Abigail Spanberger announced more than $4.9m in grants that will invest in Virginia’s food systems of Friday.

The 11,300-square-foot facility will serve producers in the surrounding region with equipment and space to process locally grown produce into new value-added products. The company plans to create 65 new jobs, benefit 125 producers and 70 food businesses, and establish five new market outlets, to include institutional food service operators.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service provided the grant funding through a cooperative agreement with the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, which will administer the grants in the Commonwealth.

“Agriculture is Virginia’s number one private industry and a foundational pillar of our Commonwealth’s economy. Supporting economic development opportunities in the industry means supporting Virginia’s farmers, processors, retailers — and helping Virginians put food on their tables,” said Gov. Spanberger in a statement. “Expanding market opportunities and revenue streams for our small and mid-sized producers helps to create new jobs, put food on Virginians’ tables, and build a stronger future for Virginia agriculture.”

The USDA defines the middle of the food supply chain as activities occurring after the production of the agricultural product, but before the product is sold to consumers. Eligible products include specialty crops, dairy, grains for human consumption, aquaculture, and other food products, excluding meat and poultry.