A better process: Center will help local farmers with equipment

A food processing center proposed for Orange County is a great idea that will prove beneficial to local farmers, local food consumers and the county at large.

Noah Ranells, agricultural economic development coordinator for the Orange County economic development commission, said the Piedmont Food and Agricultural Processing Center will allow local farmers access to commercial equipment they may not have otherwise been able to use.

Ranells said the facility “permits developing new farm related food businesses without the capital expenses on equipment and facilities.”

The processing center provides a shared-use aspect by allowing many farmers to add value to their products and store them.

Everything from jellies and jams to frozen meats will come through the facility.

This is great news for local farmers and consumers alike. Local food consumers stand to gain from the improved efficiency and operations of local farmers.

And the benefits do not stop there. The facility is expected to bring in more than $150 thousand in gross revenue by its third year of operation.

The Chapel Hill-Carrboro community has always prided itself on its dedication to green initiatives. Therefore, it is only fitting that a facility with the potential to service 3.3 million locally grown food consumers will be located only a few miles away.

Given the many benefits the processing center stands to provide to Orange County, it is difficult to find a downside.

Farms within a 75-mile radius will be able to rely on the facility to boost their businesses and serve North Carolina consumers.

Kudos to Orange County’s economic development commission for bringing in such a great facility. Farmers, consumers and tax-payers stand to reap the benefits.