RICHMOND, Va. (AP) - Homestead Creamery Inc. is expanding its presence in Franklin County thanks to a grant from a statewide program aimed at developing Virginia's agriculture and forestry industries.

Gov. Bob McDonnell announced the first-ever grant from the Governor's Agriculture and Forestry Industries Development fund on Monday.

Homestead plans invest $1.1 million over the next three years in a facility expansion and upgrade. The company known for its ice cream and other dairy products also plans to nearly double the number of full-time employees by hiring an additional 20 full-time positions, and increase its purchases of Virginia-grown agriculture products by almost $1.5 million.

McDonnell approved a $60,000 program grant for the project. Matching funds are being provided through a $45,000 Tobacco Region Opportunity Fund grant, and a Franklin County grant of $30,000.

(Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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