Delta Peanut held a groundbreaking ceremony today to celebrate the construction of a new peanut processing plant. The expansion will bring an investment of more than $50 million and create nearly 50 new jobs in Kennett and the surrounding area.
“Delta Peanut is extremely excited to expand its operations into Kennett, Missouri. Our investments in Kennett will complement our existing capacities to shell and sell edible peanuts while also expanding our footprint for production and capabilities to service new segments and additional markets,” Delta Peanut CEO Tommy Jumper said. “Several specific opportunities fit us perfectly and supported our efforts to grow in such a challenging time. I’ve been amazed at what can be accomplished when 75 farm families partner with authorities who all want the same thing. I’m certain we’ll add to job creation and prosperity by partnering toward the same objectives.”
Delta Peanut is a farmer owned company that serves peanut farmers in Missouri, Arkansas, and Louisiana. The Kennett facility will be the company’s second processing plant and the first located in Missouri.
“We’re excited that Delta Peanut is expanding into Southeast Missouri,” Governor Mike Parson said. “This new facility will not only support Missouri agriculture, our state’s number one industry, but also provide new, good-paying jobs for Missourians in the region.”
The average wage for the new manufacturing jobs will be $38,250, well above the average for Dunklin County.
“We are thrilled to see peanuts return to Missouri,” said Director of Agriculture Chris Chinn. “Our team was just in southeast Missouri to capture the progress our farmers made this planting season. It’s exciting to see our farmers’ dreams of a peanut shelling facility come true just a year after Missouri was deemed a primary peanut producing state by USDA.”
As a farmer owned company, Delta Peanut will be using the Missouri Agricultural and Small Business Development Authority’s New Generation Cooperative Tax Credit. The program encourages investment in entities that process Missouri agricultural commodities and products by issuing tax credits directly to producer members. To qualify, entities must provide substantial benefits to Missouri’s agricultural producers and create jobs for Missourians.
“We appreciate the confidence that Delta Peanut has shown in the City of Kennett and that they were able to utilize a portion of the Compress site for their project to create quality full-time jobs and an investment of more than $50 million," Dr. Chancellor Wayne, mayor of Kennett said. “This took a lot of work from many people and it was exciting to see this all come together with the help of partners at the local, state and federal levels. This is a big deal for Kennett, that will have a lasting economic impact. We look forward to maintaining these partnerships to attract more jobs in the future.”
The Delta Regional Authority (DRA) provided a $350,000 grant to the City of Kennett through the States’ Economic Development Assistance Program, which provides direct investment into community-based and regional projects that address the DRA’s congressionally mandated funding categories: basic public infrastructure, transportation infrastructure, workforce development, and business development. This award, along with $450,000 in CDBG Industrial Infrastructure grant funds will enable the city to develop a new road to the facility that is capable of handling truck traffic. Learn more about DRA’s investment programs here.
“Delta Regional Authority is pleased to partner with the City of Kennett to assist in bringing needed jobs to the area,” said Delta Regional Authority Chief of Staff Brian Henson. “This investment will enable more efficient flow of traffic to and from the plant while allowing for safer conditions for the surrounding residential area.”
Delta Peanut also used the Missouri Works program, an incentive tool to help companies expand and retain workers by providing access to capital through withholdings or tax credits for job creation. Learn more about Missouri Works here.
“We’re excited to welcome Delta Peanut to Missouri,” Department of Economic Development Director Rob Dixon said. “These jobs will make a real impact for Missourians in the southeast region of our state, and we look forward to working with Delta Peanut to build their legacy here.”
About Delta Peanut
Delta Peanut is a 100% farmer owned peanut shelling facility. Delta Peanut’s owners include farmers from the Missouri Bootheel, Arkansas, and Northeast Louisiana. The company’s goal is to responsibly produce and process the highest quality peanuts in the world while emphasizing stewardship and sustainability. Delta Peanut currently operates out of a state-of-the-art shelling facility in Jonesboro, Arkansas.