02/28/2026
One of the things I enjoyed about Ag was getting to see the cannery in action. So glad I could be a part of this.
Wythe County Approves Boiler Replacement to Restore Cannery Operations
WYTHE COUNTY, Va. – The Wythe County Board of Supervisors voted at its Feb. 24 meeting to proceed with the purchase and installation of a new boiler for the Wythe County Cannery, advancing efforts to restore full canning operations at the historic community facility.
Canning operations were temporarily paused in October 2025 after the cannery’s boiler failed beyond repair. The shutdown occurred at the height of the fall harvest and canning season, when many local families, farmers and community groups rely on the facility to preserve their produce. While the facility has remained open for meat processing, canning services have been suspended pending installation of a replacement system.
Wythe County is receiving $50,000 through the Governor’s Agriculture and Forestry Industries Development (AFID) Fund Infrastructure Grant program to support the boiler replacement. The competitively awarded matching grant, administered by the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, partners with local governments to invest in community infrastructure that supports small-scale farmers and food producers. The boiler replacement is part of a long-range modernization and capacity-building initiative for the Wythe County Cannery.
“The Wythe County Cannery has served generations of families, farmers, church groups and civic organizations,” said James D. Smith, chairman of the Wythe County Board of Supervisors. “By moving forward with this replacement, we are investing in an important community asset and supporting the small producers and families who rely on it. We appreciate our state partners for recognizing the value of this project and helping us move it forward.”
In addition to replacing the boiler, Wythe County and Wythe County Public Schools are continuing to evaluate long-term options for the cannery’s future. That includes exploring whether the facility could eventually be relocated to better meet growing demand and provide improved space and functionality. These discussions are centered on ensuring the cannery remains a strong, reliable resource for local families and producers for generations to come.
“The cannery is part of our community’s heritage and an important connection to agriculture for many of our citizens,” said Dr. Russell Street, director of finance and operations for Wythe County Public Schools. “While the temporary pause was challenging, this investment helps restore services now and gives us the opportunity to plan carefully for the future of this valued community resource.”
Updates will be shared as progress continues on restoring full canning operations and evaluating long-term expansion opportunities.