The state of Virginia might be the most dedicated to fostering a thriving craft beer industry. It is the only state that sets up its own booth annually at the Craft Brewers Conference and BrewExpo America to try and pitch itself as brewer friendly and a great place to launch or expand a brand. Just watch the video below for a reminder. Gov. Terry McAuliffe continues to put the state’s money where its mouth is by chipping in $15,000 as part of Stable Craft Brewing’s $500,000 expansion in Augusta County (which is matching those state funds).
But Stable Craft didn’t earn this investment just because it’s cool, and it’s also not just a boost to the craft beer and tourism industries because part of the deal is the company’s commitment to purchase 88 percent of its agricultural inputs from Virginia farmers. The expansion will support growing distribution of the company’s craft beer to meet the surging demand in Virginia.
“I am pleased Stable Craft Brewing has chosen to expand in Augusta County and has committed to sourcing a majority of their agricultural products from Virginia farms,” stated Governor McAuliffe. “Investments like this create jobs, tourism activity and new markets for our farmers and highlight the positive impact the agricultural sector has on growing the new Virginia economy.”
The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services worked with Augusta County and Stable Craft Brewing to secure this project for Virginia. Governor McAuliffe approved a $15,000 grant from the Governor’s Agriculture and Forestry Industries Development (AFID) Fund, which Augusta will match with local funds. Funding and services to support the company’s employee recruitment and training activities are being provided through the Virginia Jobs Investment Program.
“Through its commitment to sourcing ingredients from Virginia’s agricultural producers, Stable Craft Brewing is further supporting Virginia’s growing craft beer supply chain,” said Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry Basil Gooden. “I am pleased the Commonwealth could partner with Augusta County through the AFID program to support this local business in a quickly growing industry.”
Senator Emmett Hanger added, “Projects here like Stable Craft Brewing are why we created the AFID program: to highlight our agricultural and forestry economic development opportunities, to increase jobs and to promote the agriculture industry as a whole. I am pleased Augusta County has been able to direct these funds toward emerging and growing businesses.”
“Stable Craft embodies all that is right with Virginia’s craft beer industry,” said Delegate Steve Landes. “Congratulations to Craig Nargi and the Stable Craft team on their expansion and the announcement that Stable Craft is now an approved training business for veterans. This is great news for Stable Craft, Augusta County, and our veterans’ community. These public-private partnerships to spur economic development are what I envisioned when crafting legislation for the Governor’s Agriculture and Forestry Industries Development Fund. I wish Craig and his staff continued success with the brewery and best of luck on their expansion.”
“The increased production capacity and bottling line will allow our packaged beers to reach more consumers in more places convenient to their travels, in addition to Stable Craft Brewing’s current availability in restaurants, taverns and dining establishments,” said Craig Nargi, Stable Craft Brewing owner. “The expansion will also allow our award-winning head brewer, Christopher Fann, more flexibility with new beers, experimentation and ultimately delivering a quality Farm Fresh product.”
“Stable Craft Brewing is an integral part of our agritourism economy” said Gerald Garber, member of the Augusta County Board of Supervisorsand representative of the Middle River District where Stable Craft is located. “Craig Nargi is an innovative entrepreneur with an extensive background in the hospitality industry. In combination with his years of experience, his creativity will maximize his achievements in the agritourism and brewing industries.”
