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Agricultural center project still looking at sites
BY JAMES JACENICH • STAFF WRITER
MONTEREY - Scott Smith of the Allegheny Highlands Agricultural Center Project, told Highland County supervisors Tuesday the group was negotiating for a site for the agricultural center somewhere in a four-county area consisting of Highland and Bath counties in Virginia and Pendleton and Pocahontas counties in West Virginia. Where, exactly, is still under wraps so as not to threaten the group's negotiating position, but Smith did say it was not in or near Monterey, Blue Grass or McDowell.
"We'd like to have a centralized location - one-stop shopping for agricultural interests," Scott said of the group's vision. "Meat processing is paramount, but we would like to talk about other pieces to the project as well."
Scott said the facility would process 10-12 animals per week on average. The facility would be available to everyone, not just investors or potential members, he said.
Deer processing would also be in the mix of services, a natural adjunct in an area known for hunting.
"Another key goal is we want to bring producers closer to local consumers," he said.
The group considered having an on-site meat outlet, but decided not to pursue it. "However, we would like people to be able to buy locally produced meat at local stores," he said.
In addition to meat processing, Smith said the facility might also have docks, pens and scales. "We would like to market live animals," he said. "It would be a weight station and distribution point. We have no intention to become a livestock auction or market."
The agricultural center would also have space and resources available for training.
"There's been a lot of talk about the ag center, especially since the proposed zoning change has come out," said Smith. "We have looked at several sites and are in negotiations to acquire such a site."
"We do not seek government funds to build this facility," he added.
The group has looked at a variety of legal structures for the center and has decided not to operate as a cooperative. That doesn't mean the ag center doesn't need local investors, however. "Please contact us if you want to get involved in this project," said Smith.
Smith said the facility will benefit not only farmers, but the community and region by creating jobs and providing alternatives for the processing and acquisition of meat products.
The agricultural center steering committee has representatives from all four counties representing its target area of Bath, Highland, Pocahontas and Pendleton counties. The committee may be reached through The Highland Center or Virginia Commonwealth Extension office in Monterey.
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