Source: Lisa M. Keefe, MEATINGPLACE, 9/24/14

Sanderson Farms may yet receive an incentive package offer from officials of Cumberland County, N.C., although the idea of locating a poultry processing facility there does not have unanimous support either from the residents or from the members of the county board, according to county Commissioner Jimmy Keefe.

In contrast to media reports earlier this week indicating that the county had decided against offering incentives, Keefe told Meatingplace that the board continues to discuss the matter and that no final decision had been made.

“We don’t have a consensus,” Keefe said. “There are still some concerns and we’re not ready to offer an incentive package at this time.” Keefe, who supports the idea of offering Sanderson an incentive package, noted that the city of Fayetteville is ready to put together its part of any offer to the company.

The industrial park location in question is within the Fayetteville city limits, but is on county property.

The company also could decide to build without an incentive package, or to build on private property near the industrial park. But for now the incentive plan remains in play.

Sanderson executives were not available for further comment.

Large crowds of area residents have turned out at public meetings to voice opposition to a chicken plant at the site.
The company’s attempt to build a facility in Nash County, N.C., was thwarted by public opposition in 2012.

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