The EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022 (RIA) established three new EB-5 visa set-a-sides categories. 20% Rural, 10% High Unemployment Area and 2% Infrastructure. The RIA requires “Priority Processing and Adjudication” of Rural EB-5 Petitions which means Rural EB-5 investors receive their temporary and permanent green cards faster than traditional EB-5 investors. Since this is a new visa category there is currently no per country cap or wait line for Chinese or Indian born EB-5 investors. Rural investments only require a $800,000 investment.
A Rural EB-5 Project
Funding the expansion and operations of a high density apple orchard in Kentucky
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Project Overview
Our vertically integrated project with orchard, package, and storage facility and in-house sales and marketing is USCIS I-956F Approved.
66
Million-Dollar Agricultural Project
1000
Acre Development
15.6
Million Dollars in Equity From Sponsors
50.4
Million Dollars in EB-5 Secured Loan; 5-Year Initial Term
721
Total Jobs (Direct, Indirect, and Induced)
11.4
Jobs Per Investor
West Virginia Regional Center
A USCIS Approved Regional Center
The West Virginia Regional Center has been an active and approved USCIS regional center since 2013. The geographic area includes the entire State of West Virginia, Ohio and the six eastern counties of Kentucky.
The West Virginia Regional Center has sponsored two EB-5 projects. The first project was the Dayton City Center Partners LP (Ohio) in 2017 which is a $33 million historic rehab project with 16 EB-5 Investors. 100% I-526 approval and I-829 approvals pending. The second project was in 2022, the Wise Path Recovery Center in Fairmont West Virginia with 4 EB-5 investors. 100% I-526E approvals.
AppleAtcha
Revitalization of Land and Community
AppleAtcha is an agricultural development project in Eastern Kentucky that will be a vertical integrated apple facility. The Company aims to complete the transformation of 1,000+ acres of reclaimed surface coal mining lands into a thriving commercial apple orchard. The Company has secured the rights to develop the full 1,000+ acres which will put Kentucky in the top ten apple producing states in the country.
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The first 60 acres has been completed and is in full operation in Eastern Kentucky in the rural counties of Martin and Johnson County. The advantages of a high density orchard is it significantly increases the yield and profitability over the legacy orchards. The trellis system infrastructure allows for 1,000-2,500 dwarf trees per acre, precise pruning and efficient irrigation allowing each apple tree the ability to produce the upmost and best quality apples.
The next 70 acres of land has been leveled, cleared and is ready for planting in the spring of 2025. Another 370 Acres will be cleared in 2025 and the remaining 500+ Acres will be cleared in 2026. 1000 +/- acres will be in full production by 2031 and producing delicious apples for the next 20-30 years.
The main industry prior to coal mining in the Appalachian Mountains of Eastern Kentucky was timbering. The elevation, climate, soil and weather are ideal for the growth of trees. Research and the 60 acre proof of concept orchard shows that the elevation, climate, soil and weather of the project area are excellent for apple cultivation.
AppleAtcha is led by a management team with significant experience in senior positions in a variety of industries including apple orchards, construction, insurance and real estate.
The orchard’s apple experts and minority owners, the Rasch Family, are 6th generation apple farmers who currently operate one of the largest high-density orchards on Michigan’s Fruit Ridge.
Visit AppleAtcha Website
AppleAtcha's Community Partner
Community at the Core
AppleAtcha community partner, Community at the Core, 501(c)(3) non-profit, will commence the construction of a packing and storage facility in early 2025. AppleAtcha will have a long-term lease to manage the facility. This facility will facilitate year-round storage of apples in a controlled atmospheric storage (CAS), enabling continuous sales. Moreover, it will possess the capability to process apples from other orchards, facilitating further growth beyond the company’s own property. This ensures the long-term sustainability and growth of the project, showcasing Kentucky as a major player in the apple industry.
Visit Community at the Core Website