- By Chris Catt
- News
Print 
“We thank Nozzolio and Assemblyman Kolb for their continued efforts on behalf of our local farmers and the residents of the Finger Lakes. Innovations pioneered in these reconstructed, state-of-the-art greenhouses will translate into tangible products that have a positive economic impact on New York’s hardworking farmers and put our region at the forefront of agricultural research and development,” said New York State Experiment Station Director Tom Burr.
“Virtually every business, family and individual in my District, directly or indirectly, depends on agriculture - the single, largest job producing industry in New York State. The important investment that we helped secure will promote regional, long-term job development and create more private sector jobs, a win-win for our local community and economy,” said Senator Mike Nozzolio.
The research and innovation pioneered in these facilities will help to enhance and support the important agricultural needs of our area, including our local farmers and growers. Thanks in large part to the research and development that takes place at the Experimental Station, agriculture remains the number one industry in New York, producing food for our local communities, our State and Nation. Working with Governor Cuomo, Nozzolio and Assemblyman Kolb worked aggressively to secure $4.7 million in last year’s New York State budget for this important project.
“In many ways, agricultural innovation begins in the controlled environment of research greenhouses,” said Assemblyman Kolb. “Cost saving practices, disease and pest resistant crops and valuable new plant varieties developed as a result of this project will help New York farms compete in the global, regional and local markets that characterize today’s agricultural economy.”
Nozzolio and Assemblyman Kolb were also successful in their efforts to secure over $3.2 million for the construction of the Finger Lakes Viticulture Center, which will serve as a permanent location for Finger Lakes Community College’s Viticulture and Wine Technology Program - the only program of its kind in the Northeast. The Viticulture Center will be located at the Cornell Agricultural Technology Park, in close proximity to the Experiment Station and the reconstructed greenhouse and research facilities.
“We extend our special thanks to President David Skorton, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Dean Kathryn Boor, New York State Agricultural Experiment Station Director Tom Burr and the faculty, staff and students of Cornell University for their strong support as we fought to secure this important funding. As State Senator, I look forward to working with Cornell University as I continue my aggressive efforts to support our hardworking farmers and grow jobs here in the Finger Lakes,” said Senator Mike Nozzolio.
“The reconstruction of this facility will act as a catalyst for future expansion of our agriculture industry here in the Finger Lakes,” said Assemblyman Kolb. “Our area has long been a leader in agricultural research and innovation and I am proud to have played a part in giving our farmers and future entrepreneurs this powerful tool for job creation.”
“The reconstruction of these important research facilities is great news for the residents of our region and I look forward to working with Nozzolio and Assemblyman Kolb as we bring new jobs and opportunities to the Finger Lakes,” said Jack Marren, Chairman of the Ontario County Board of Supervisors.
v9i16