Senator Nozzolio Welcomes First Tenants To Cornell Agriculture And Food Technology Park

Geneva – New York State Senator Michael F. Nozzolio today joined Cornell University officials and area business leaders from across the region to dedicate “The Technology Farm”, a brand new, 72-acre research park, located in Geneva, designed to foster the creation of innovative technologies related to agriculture, bio-based industries and food. Senator Nozzolio has been the driving force behind the creation of the new Ag-Tech Park including delivering over $4 million in state funding and authorizing the legislation which created the Cornell Agricultural and Food Technology Park.

“The Ag-Tech Park will make our region a national leader in agri-business, food sciences and biotechnology and has the potential to remake the Finger Lakes region into “Ag-Tech alley” for cutting edge agricultural research”, Senator Nozzolio said. “This new economic engine is just beginning to deliver on its promise of bringing new businesses and jobs to the region.”

The Cornell Agriculture and Food Technology Park will promote the expansion of agriculture, food sciences and biotechnology research while promoting regional economic growth. The Park has the potential to generate as many as 1,000 new jobs for Geneva and the Finger Lakes region as it is developed and takes hold.

Senator Nozzolio has been a strong supporter of the Cornell Agriculture and Food Technology Park (CAFTP) and has worked closely with Governor George Pataki to help secure more than $4 million in State funding to assist with the research and development of high-tech products and innovations at the CAFTP .

Daniel J. Fessenden, Executive Director of the Cornell Agriculture and Food Technology Park said, “Senator Nozzolio's efforts in support of the Cornell Agriculture & Food
Technology Park are truly remarkable. He has been a tireless advocate of this project
since its inception and continues to be one of the major driving forces
behind our successes."

The first tenants at The Technology Farm will include the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Berrigen Biotechnology LLC, Cherrypharm, Inc., Terramend, LLC and Vitis Biosciences Inc.

The USDA will establish a new Grape Genetics Research Center at The Technology Farm, expanding on the agency’s existing research unit currently housed at Cornell’s Agricultural Experiment Station in Geneva. With funding obtained through Congressional appropriations, the agency plans to begin construction of a 59,000 square foot research facility in 2007 that will employ approximately 20 people.

The four new start-up companies directly involve Cornell faculty and will utilize the Technology Farm’s brand new 20,000 square foot flexible-technology building as the growing place for their new business ventures and will create up to 60 new jobs.

“By promoting high-tech and research based industries we are positioning New York State to be an international leader in innovative and emerging technologies and creating jobs right here. I look forward to continuing to work on this project and am extremely excited about the possibilities the Ag-Tech Park is creating for all residents in our area,” Senator Nozzolio concluded.

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