RICHMOND, VA. — The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) announced a new state effort to support poultry growers affected by Tyson Foods’ closure of the Glen Allen processing facility.

VDACS established the Central Virginia Poultry Cooperative (CVPC), hoping to attract new poultry businesses to the area.

CVPC was funded in part through the governor’s $35,000 Agriculture and Forestry Industries Development (AFID) Fund Planning Grant. The grant was matched by the Commonwealth Regional Council.

“Since the closure of the Tyson Glen Allen facility, VDACS staff and staff from other state agencies have met with former Tyson employees, growers, industry stakeholders and county officials to provide resources and aid in determining next steps,” said VDACS Commissioner Joseph Guthrie. “Establishing the Central Virginia Poultry Cooperative is a tremendous step forward, as it will protect the interests of central Virginia poultry farmers and work to attract new poultry businesses into the region.”

In March 2023, Tyson Foods announced the decision to cease operations at Glen Allen. The closure affected nearly 700 jobs.