Board backs resolution supporting Anderson & Sons’ agribusiness grant application

The Washington County Board of Supervisors voted to adopt a resolution supporting an agribusiness grant application for Anderson & Sons, a local meat-processing operation seeking equipment upgrades.

Staff explained the grant pathway: Anderson & Sons applied to the tobacco commission for a revitalization grant of about $565,509; the project requires a local resolution of support and local matching funds to qualify. The Industrial Development Authority approved a $15,000 match and the county may consider contributing up to $35,000 toward the applicant’s requested $50,000 local match to strengthen the application. Staff noted a separate AFID (Department of Agriculture) grant application was planned later in April that could affect total funding availability.

The resolution on the meeting agenda would express the board’s support so the county can submit the grant request documents; the motion to adopt the resolution passed by voice vote. Board members emphasized the proposal’s potential to expand local meat-processing capacity and to support a regional agribusiness need.