Recognizing the revolutionary research and statewide economic impact fostered by the Cornell Agriculture and Food Technology Park, the federal Economic Development Administration has committed nearly $1.5 million toward expansion of the Geneva-based food incubator and manufacturing space.

A major advocate for Cornell AgriTech and the mission of the Ag and Food Tech Park, New York State Agriculture Commissioner Richard Ball said, “The innovation and collaboration happening at the Cornell Agriculture and Food Technology Park is second to none. The incredible work being done at the Technology Farm, along with the Food Venture Center at Cornell AgriTech, and the NYS Center of Excellence for Food and Agriculture is rapidly advancing food and beverage research and processing while supporting New York’s farming community.  The continued investment in food manufacturing is critical to the growth of our economy and ability to compete on a global scale.”

The EDA funding will allow for construction of a 20,000-square-foot food manufacturing space, which will join Finger Lakes Community College’s Viticulture and Wine Center and the leasable, business incubator and lab space known as the “Tech Farm,” on the Tech Park’s 72-acre site.

Michael J. Manikowski, long time chair of the board of the Tech Park, which is known as the Tech Farm, and director of the Ontario County Office of Economic Development, said the funds are essential to the park’s ability to meet the evolving needs of food and agriculture innovators and manufacturers.

“We are deeply grateful to the Economic Development Administration for its continued commitment to New York’s food and ag industry,” Manikowki said. “This critical funding will provide new and existing Tech Farm tenants with access to the state-of-the-art facilities they need to grow and thrive.”

The $2.1 million project, called “Tech Farm 2,” will feature manufacturing and ancillary spaces, including loading and logistics areas, office space and parking and is expected to create up to 30 manufacturing jobs in the food processing industry, attract private investment, and strengthen the local economy.

Former NY State Senator Michael Nozzolio, one of the original founders of the park, longtime board member and Chairman of LOCATE Finger Lakes stated, “the assets of the Techology Farm, the Food Venture Center at Cornell AgriTech, and the NY State Center of Excellence for Food and Agriculture are a powerful and unprecedented combination that are growing a wide variety of food production jobs and enhance our economy.   The great news of this additional construction further enhances the Finger Lakes region, Ontario County and the City of Geneva as the center of one of the Nation’s fastest growing food production hubs. It gives us special pride to work with our leadership team at the Tech Farm and realize this agribusiness growth vision for the Finger Lakes.”

Catharine Young, executive director of the New York State Center of Excellence for Food and Agriculture at Cornell AgriTech, said the Tech Farm is a dynamic part of Geneva’s thriving food and ag space.

“Geneva is an incredible hub for New York’s food and beverage industry, combining the unparalleled research and resources of Cornell AgriTech, a rich history of innovation and engaged local governments and funding agencies,” Young said. “This project will allow us to further expand on our mission to drive food and agriculture innovation and expand opportunities for food, ag and beverage entrepreneurs.”

For more information, contact Carrie Carmenatty, marketing and development specialist for the Center of Excellence for Food and Agriculture at Cornell AgriTech, at cc2543@cornell.edu or (607) 229-2829.