Food Processing & Agribusiness

Cumberland Valley is within a three-hour drive of Washington DC, Baltimore, New York City, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, and supports a growing food and beverage industry. It is also the fastest growing county in Pennsylvania. Our strategic location, abundant and fertile farmland, a skilled workforce, and comprehensive infrastructure gets your products to market quickly and at a reasonable cost. View agribusiness and food processing loans to get your project started.

Strategically Located in the Heart of South Central Pennsylvania

• Access to five major ports (Philadelphia, Newark, Baltimore, New York, Newport)
• Highway connections via Interstate 81, I-83, I-76 and US 11/15 puts Cumberland Valley within 12 hours of Boston, New York, Washington D.C., Richmond, Baltimore and Columbus
• Access to air travel and rail systems
• Harrisburg, the Pennsylvania State Capital, is located directly across the Susquehanna River that runs along the east shore of Cumberland Valley

Farming & Industry Overview

• 43% of the county is zoned for agriculture use, currently supporting 1,400 working farms (151,826 acres)
• 67% of the county contains Class 1-3 soil
• Of 67 counties in Pennsylvania, Cumberland County remains in the top 10 for the value of its agriculture products
• Over 70 food and beverage production companies
• $210 million in agricultural sales (2014 update)

Source: USDA NASS 2012 Census of Agriculture and PA Department of Labor & Industry

Assets for Growing

• Soil rich in nutrients and ideal flat topography
• Excellent water supply with ample access and quality
• Proximity of supplies including equipment dealers, seed, fertilizer, greenhouse and related suppliers
• Ease of access to technical support
• Commitment to Sustainable practices including biological pest management, drip/trickle irrigation and soil and plant tissue testing
• Prominent produce auctions
• Local buying programs with National Grocers Giant, Weis, Wegmans and Wal-Mart

View details on transportation and infrastructure.

Notable Agribusinesses & Food Processing Facilities

• Cargill
• Warrell Corporation (Confectionery Manufacturing from Purchased Chocolates)
• Nestle Purina Pet Care Co. (Dog and Cat Food Manufacturing)
• Schreiber Foods (Cheese and Yogurt Manufacturing)
• Land O’ Lakes Inc. (Milk Processing)
• ADM Milling Co. (Flour Milling)
• Terranettis Italian Bakery (Commercial Baking)
• Bimbo Bakeries (Commercial Baking)
• Kessler Foods Inc. (Meat Processing & Packaging)
• Toigo Orchards (Certified Organic Tomato Production)
• Lindt (Retail Outlet and Distribution Center)
• Dairy Farmers of America (Manufacturer of Cheese, Butter and Dairy Ingredients, and Contract Manufacturer for Consumer Products)

Food & Agribusiness Resources

View CAEDC’s wide variety of loans and grant programs to meet your specific project needs. CAEDC staff can assist with guiding you to the right financing solution.

Farm Preservation in Cumberland Valley PA