Original Source from WRIC.com

HALIFAX COUNTY, Va (WRIC) — Wednesday, Governor Terry McAuliffe announced that Springfield Distillery will open a new whiskey distillery in Halifax County.

This distillery will be the first in Halifax County and source 100% of its corn and barley needs from Virginia agricultural producers.

The Commonwealth of Virginia is partnering with Halifax County and Springfield Distillery on this project through the Governor’s Agriculture and Forestry Industries Development Fund (AFID).

Governor McAuliffe believes this venture will be a positive step in economic development in the area.

“Springfield Distillery’s investment is an excellent example of the important role that small businesses and our diverse agricultural economy can and will play in building the new Virginia economy,” Governor McAuliffe said, “I’m pleased that the AFID grant to Halifax leverages agriculture, one of the Commonwealth’s largest economic drivers, to bring together multiple aspects of economic development – entrepreneurship, manufacturing, and tourism – in one operation. Entrepreneurial projects like these should be recognized and commended for strengthening these important sectors of the Commonwealth’s economy and for enhancing Virginia’s reputation as a world-class spirits, wine, cider, and craft beer producer.”

Springfield Distillery will invest $160,000 in the site improvements and equipment needed to open a new distillery, tasting room, and remote-licensed ABC store on the historic Springfield Farm, built in 1842. Springfield Distillery is also committing to purchase almost 150,000 pounds of Virginia corn and barley over the next three years – 100% of the agricultural products needed for the new production venture. The new craft distillery will serve as the central attraction to an agritourism operation that will feature log cabin lodging, farm-to-table dinners, and whiskey tasting and production classes.

James Gordon, owner of Springfield Distillery, says many of the resources to help with this project are from locals.

“We are excited about the future of the distillery, and we are proud to have hired local contractors and to be sourcing our corn from local farmers here in Halifax County, Virginia. Kelly and I are grateful for the support of the Halifax County Industrial Development Authority and the Commonwealth of Virginia’s AFID Program, and we look forward to a long and successful future here,” said Gordon.

Governor McAuliffe approved a $10,000 grant from the AFID Fund to assist with the project, which Halifax County is matching with local funds.

The Governor’s Agriculture and Forestry Industries Development (AFID) Fund is administered by the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS).