Proposed Meat Processing Plant Asks Warren County for Former Trash Incinerator Property
On October 15, 2024, a proposal for a new meat processing facility in Warren County, New Jersey, gained attention as organizers requested the county for a property that once housed a trash incinerator.
Representatives from the Northwest Jersey Food Processing and Innovation Center presented their case to Warren County Commissioners, seeking land at 218 Mount Pisgah Ave, the site of the former Covanta Warren Energy Resource Co. LLC center.
The Covanta incinerator, which ceased operations in 2019, began its demolition earlier this year. The proposed facility aims to address the growing need for a regional meat processing plant that would serve local farmers and the surrounding tri-state area.
Richard Cotton, a representative of the food processing center, highlighted the challenges local farmers face when sending livestock out of state for processing.
This, he explained, is not only costly but leads to small farmers being overlooked by larger facilities that prioritize bigger producers.
The property’s infrastructure, which includes high-voltage electricity, water, and sewer connections, makes it an ideal location for the plant.
Cotton asked the county to transfer the site to Warren County Community College, which would then lease it to the food processing center.
The college, led by President Will Austin, envisions the plant as a multi-functional facility equipped with classrooms that would provide educational opportunities for students interested in the agricultural industry.
Warren County Commissioner Jason Sarnoski expressed support for the project but emphasized the need to ensure legal clarity before transferring ownership. Additionally, Sarnoski stressed the importance of understanding the property’s value before any decision is made.
Farmers in the region have voiced their support for the project, with Knowlton Township Committee member Frank Van Horn stating that he had spoken to hundreds of farmers who see the potential long-term benefits of a local meat processing plant.
Echoing this sentiment, Peter Furey, Executive Director of the New Jersey Farm Bureau, noted that while efforts have been made to preserve farmland, a local processing plant is essential for making farming in the area economically viable.
Commissioners are expected to establish an advisory group before their next meeting on October 23 to explore the project further and ensure the county’s best interests are maintained.
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