RINGGOLD, Va. – Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam was in Ringgold Thursday, joining state and local officials in groundbreaking ceremonies for AeroFarms, which is building the world’s largest aeroponic vertical farm in Pittsylvania County.

The 136,000-square-foot indoor vertical farming facility will to be able to grow produce year-round with annual productivity up to 390 times greater than traditional field farming. The facility will be located in the Cane Creek Industrial Centre.

AeroFarms is investing over $53 million and creating 92 jobs in Ringgold. Virginia successfully competed with North Carolina for the project.

Gov. Northam said the “Commonwealth’s history is rooted in agribusiness, and the completion of the world’s largest and most advanced indoor vertical farm will enhance this booming industry.”

The Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission has approved a grant for $190,000 from the Tobacco Regional Opportunity Fund for the project. AeroFarms qualifies for state benefits from the Virginia Enterprise Zone Program, administered by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development.

Funding and services to support the company’s job creation will be provided through the Virginia Jobs Investment Program.