North Carolina Construction News staff writer
Union County is moving forward with a new facility designed to strengthen the local agricultural economy and expand opportunities for entrepreneurs. The Union County Food Innovation Center, formerly known as the Building Agricultural Resources and Nutrition project, or “BARN,” broke ground March 31, with county leaders, community partners, and stakeholders in attendance.
The 25,000-sq. ft. center, located on Julia May Baker Road in Wingate, is expected to take about 18 months to complete, with an official opening projected for summer 2027. The facility will provide a commercial kitchen and professional workspace for licensed businesses and entrepreneurs who are not yet ready to invest in a brick-and-mortar location. It will be dedicated to commercial development of new food products and commercial catering.
“The Board of County Commissioners has supported this project from the start,” said Chairman Brian Helms. “By combining agricultural resources with economic development strategies, we are confident this center will create long-term benefits for our small businesses and consumers.”
The project is the result of partnerships with Wingate University, the Town of Wingate, and N.C. Cooperative Extension – Union County Center. Deputy County Manager Patrick Niland said the collaboration was essential to bringing the vision to life.
“The collaborative partnerships have been essential in bringing the vision to life and ensuring that the project will be sustainable,” Niland said.
The center will also serve as a resource hub for local farmers and food producers through the N.C. Cooperative Extension. “The Food Innovation Center represents the continued growth, development, and evolution of agriculture in Union County,” said Andrew Baucom, director of the Union County Cooperative Extension Center. “This new facility will be the first of its kind in North Carolina, a space that provides access and opportunity for both the agricultural producer and the business entrepreneur.”
Officials anticipate the center will improve food distribution networks, spark innovation, and create jobs, making it a significant addition to the county’s agricultural landscape.