Richard Reich, assistant secretary of the state Department of Agriculture, told rrspin.com before today’s groundbreaking, it could give farmers locally and across the region a chance to diversify. “Many farmers are looking for new ways to improve production and this is another option to consider.”
Many of the crops Empire Foods will need, fruits and vegetables, are already grown in North Carolina, he said.
Many of the crops can also be grown in more controlled environments, where irrigation is used, said Ronald Fish, assistant director of agribusiness development for the state.
“You will find significant levels of marketing potential,” Reich said.
The impact on farming, however, may be just the beginning. There is potential to change the way is food is bought, both Reich and Fish said.
The process is similar to juice box technology, officials with the company explained earlier this fall when the announcement was made the company was locating in Halifax County.
Reich said this technology could eventually replace canned fruits and vegetables, which have to be cooked at higher temperatures, reducing the nutritional value.
“We’re seeing continued growth in agriculture,” Fish said. “Farmer are producing more per acre.”
Said Fish, “It’s really a new day.”
While the technology has been used in the state before, Fish believes Empire is going to improve that technology where restaurants, military and even baby food manufacturers will buy this product.
Halifax County Cooperative Extension Director Arthur Whitehead said a meeting with farmers was held this morning. He said between six to eight are seriously interested in growing for the company. “It’s going to take some to get established,” he said.
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