A $29 million meat processing facility and retail market owned by the Poarch Creek Indians has officially begun operations in Atmore after a grand opening ceremony earlier this week. The new location, Perdido River Meats, spans an impressive 23,000 square feet and is now the largest enterprise of its kind in the state.
Perdido River Farms, the parent company of Perdido River Meats, is the agricultural arm of the PCI. It manages a staggering 2,900 acres of Tribal agricultural properties, consisting of permanent grasses for grazing, summer and winter annuals, hay lands, and row crop land.
The facility will specialize exclusively in beef products and offers a unique opportunity for customers to have their own cattle processed or to purchase whole or half cows.
“This grand opening marks a significant milestone for Perdido River Farms and the community,” said John English, Director of Perdido River Farms. “We are proud to expand our operations and look forward to sharing our passion for quality, locally sourced meats with our neighbors and community.”
RELATED: First tribal citizen to become Chief of the Poarch Creek Tribal Police Department
The Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries believes the facility will be of great benefit to the cattlemen in the region.
“The opening of this new processing facility will not only help address food supply chain issues but also greatly benefit Alabama cattle producers, who have expressed the need for additional processing facilities in our area,” said ADAI Commissioner Rick Pate.
The Perdido River Meats processing facility currently employs fifteen workers from the Tribe and surrounding community.
Austen Shipley is the News Director for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @ShipleyAusten
