Source: Rita Jane Gabbett, MEATINGPLACE, 8/4/16

Joyce Farms announced a plant expansion to accommodate increasing consumer demand for older-breed, slow-growing chickens, game birds and grass-fed beef products processed using "artisanal" techniques.

The five-month expansion project will add an additional warehouse and a new hatchery to accommodate future company growth. The USDA inspected processing plant, located in Clemmons, N.C. The expansion is projected to complete in January 2017.

“Our Welcome Back to Flavor message is resonating with more chefs and consumers as we have moved back to older breeds, old world farming methods and small scale processing,” said Joyce Farms CEO Ron Joyce. “Over the last three years, we have seen increased demand for our pasture raised, heritage products like our slow growing chickens, one of the slowest growing chickens in the U.S., game birds and grass-fed beef. We’re thrilled by the response and look forward to making Joyce Farms available to even more chefs, restaurant goers and home cooks.”

The company said it would stay true to the artisanal processes and strict quality control measures. Birds will continue to be individually processed by hand from start to finish, allowing for precise inspection. The plant has consistently earned a 100 percent score in animal welfare by a third-party auditing company.

Joyce Farms is a third-generation family-owned business established in 1962. It is best known for introducing Old World heritage poultry breeds to the United States. In addition to its Poulet Rouge Fermier, Joyce Farms offers grass-fed Aberdeen Angus beef and a NAKED line of chicken, duck, and rabbit produced without the use of antibiotics or animal by-products.

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