By Betsy Finklea
The Pee Dee Agriporium was discussed by Mayor Todd Davis at the July meeting of the Dillon City Council meeting.
Davis said the Agriporium is located in Marion County on Highway 501, about one mile from the Marion Wal-Mart. He said it is not a farmers’ market.
Davis said the agriporium is a 25,000 sq. ft. facility with a commercial kitchen, incubator, packaging areas, small business assistance, and an adjacent 5,800 sq. ft. retail store.
He said the facility actively manages aggregation, distribution, and bargaining of source identified food products primarily from local and regional vendors.
Davis said this is similar to what the city looked at doing in Dillon several years ago, but they couldn’t get it off the ground. Davis said they know some of the local vendors have already signed up. They allow growers of any size to gain entry into the market.
Davis said what they are going to do is gain entry into the Grand Strand market where in the past the vendors may have had the products but not the capital to get it there. He said one has to have an FDA certified kitchen to process their items, and they have to be transported.
The agriporium will also have a Food Hub with refrigeration, a loading dock, washing station, and parking area.
Davis said everything one will need will be here. He said it’s a one-stop shop.
The only other agriporium in South Carolina is located in Charleston. Davis said everything is done right there to market and sell the product.
The Pee Dee Agriporium should be open by the end of the year. The already have the funding. It is projected to bring in at least $3 million by year five. Davis called this “a big deal.” Davis said our farmers now have a place to take it and sell it, and they have the clientele for it.
Davis said those who need more information should contact Julie Norman at 843-423-8235.
