In Atmore, Alabama, the Poarch Band of Creek Indians has announced a significant investment in the local agriculture sector by constructing a new meat processing plant.
The facility, representing a $15 million investment, is scheduled to open in spring 2024 and is expected to process approximately 125 cattle per week, thereby enhancing the region’s meat production capabilities.
The plant is poised to generate 15 to 20 full-time jobs, contributing to the local economy. This initiative is an extension of the tribe’s agricultural operations, which have been running since 1992 through Perdido River Farms (PRF). PRF stands as one of Alabama’s most extensive cattle farms, and the tribe is looking to increase its capacity with the completion of this new facility.
The establishment of the plant will enable the tribe to carry out efficient slaughtering and processing of cattle and, in the future, hogs. This will serve not only livestock-producing customers but also retail and wholesale markets.
Stephanie A. Bryan, the Chair and CEO of the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, highlighted the challenges faced by local meat producers, including PRF, who have historically had to send livestock out of state for processing. The pandemic underscored the unsustainability of this model, prompting the tribe to commit to providing essential processing resources within close proximity.
The new facility is set to empower local farmers by offering them the infrastructure to process locally raised beef and pork directly in Atmore.
Ms. Bryan also noted the strategic benefits of the new plant, which will simplify and reduce the cost of bringing meat products to market.
Moreover, it will enable Alabama producers to engage more effectively in the farm-to-table movement, which holds significant value for local agriculture stakeholders and consumers alike.
