2019 Partnership Highlights

Our partners support our mission

Cornell AgriTech’s world-renowned experts collaborate with important units on the Geneva campus, such as the USDA-ARS, Cornell NYS Integrated Pest Management and the Center of Excellence for Food and Agriculture. Our partnership with these units strengthens our ability to help farmers and food producers across New York state.

Center of Excellence for Food and Agriculture helps businesses thrive

The Center of Excellence for Food and Agriculture (COE) at Cornell AgriTech leverages institutional resources and expertise to cultivate innovation, economic growth and robust job creation in New York’s food and farming sector. The Center of Excellence leveraged its banner year supporting companies across New York state with its important services and expertise.

75+

Companies engaged with the COE to launch and grow their businesses

$25M

Raised by companies working with the COE to grow their businesses

97

New jobs were created as the result of efforts from the COE

An in-depth look at economic impact through the COE

“It’s an exciting time in the food, beverage and agriculture industries; there’s an incredible amount of innovation, and much of it is consumer-driven,” says Cathy Young, executive director of COE. “Our purpose is to cultivate economic growth and job creation opportunities by connecting entrepreneurs to the resources they need to scale up and thrive.”

Keep reading about the impact of the COE

Two people talk in front of food processing equipment — Cathy Young, executive director speaks with Greg Woodworth owner of Stonybrook Wholehearted Foods.

Hemp seed bank announced for USDA-ARS

In 2019, Sen. Charles Schumer, D-N.Y announced $500,000 in federal funding for the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Agriculture Research Service (USDA-ARS) to create the nation’s only industrial hemp germplasm repository – a seed bank – co-located at Cornell AgriTech in Geneva, NY. The seed bank will enable researchers to identify pest-resistant and disease-resistant genes, giving them the tools to breed new varieties. Getting to the root of crop health is essential for providing better resources to New York hemp growers.

Better hemp varieties are possible through the new seed bank

“The more germplasm that scientists have access to,” said Chris Smart, professor of plant pathology and plant-microbe biology, “the better the chances are that we’re going to breed plants that are useful, whether it’s for managing pests or specific climates.”

Keep reading about industrial hemp

NYS Integrated Pest Management welcomes new director

Alejandro Calixto recently joined NYS Integrated Pest Management (NYSIPM) as director and will help the organization continue to address pest management needs on the farm and at work, schools, home and in the community. Calixto brings experience with the land-grant system and mission, from extension and research appointments in the Texas A&M University System focused on ecology and management of urban and agricultural insect pests. As director, Calixto will also collaborate with Cornell AgriTech on pest management for New York state fruit and vegetable growers.

Keep reading about the new IPM director

Partnership Highlights 2019