Foothills Pilot Plant (FPP) is a non-profit facility created for poultry and rabbit processing to serve independent growers seeking USDA and FDA inspection of their meat products.

The plant processes chickens, turkeys, rabbits, and other specialty fowl on a fee for service basis.

In partnership with ISAMPA, FPP also serves as a center for learning best practices for small flock production of poultry and small scale production of meat rabbits. This facility is another step towards promoting sustainable agriculture in Western North Carolina.

The plant is administered by MEDA board members and the Foothills Pilot Plant advisory committee, which consists of individuals with different areas of expertise.

Based upon a feasibility study commissioned in 2006, a plan was developed to establish this project in Marion, North Carolina, in partnership with the McDowell Economic Development Association (MEDA), McDowell County Government, independent growers, North Carolina Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services (NCDA&CS), NC State University's College of Agriculture & Life Sciences (CALS) and NCA&T University. Small family farms and community leaders have supported the development of Foothills Pilot Plant to serve independent growers of poultry and rabbits.

Major contributors for the development of this project are: the North Carolina Golden LEAF Foundation, the North Carolina Rural Center, USDA Rural Development, the Appalachian Regional Commission, and the Indpependent Small Animal Meat Processors Association of Western North Carolina.