The Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP), a reimbursement grant program administered by the Office of the Budget, recently awarded Waterford-based Folkland Foods a $3 million development grant.
Funding will allow Folkland’s parent company Troyer Inc., the only organic potato supplier on the East Coast, to expand its operations, transition more acreage to organic farming, and begin producing a range of potato products, creating up to 50 new local jobs in the region over the first three years.
The $7 million project will add 8,100-square-feet to the existing facility, 3,600-square-feet to the freezer warehouse, and will build a 16,000-square-feet potato warehouse.
Other work includes a wastewater treatment plant, outside lighting, parking lots, and driveways.
“Our vision for Folkland Foods is as simple as my grandfather’s: grow organic potatoes, make French fries,” Zack Troyer, Folkland Foods co-founder, said. “We took a huge leap, betting the farm that we could make clean organic food, and create meaningful, sustaining jobs. We are humbled to have Gov. (Josh) Shapiro’s support and intend to pay it forward by putting Pennsylvania on the map as a leader in organic food, regenerative farming, and mission-driven business.”
Construction has already begun, and potato processing is expected to begin in early 2025.
The facility will produce a line of organic, minimally processed potato products and eventually will offer other products including sweet potato items and roasties.
The project is expected to create up to 50 jobs.