Last December, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced a groundbreaking $650 million initiative to spur the growth of a world-class life science research cluster in New York, as well as expand the state’s ability to commercialize this research and grow the economy. Today the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Cornell University, New York State’s Land Grant, issued this statement in support of the final budget’s adoption of the Life Sciences Initiative:
“The Life Sciences Initiative will build on existing research, production and employment strengths across New York State to propel our state into a leadership position important for the health and well-being of our citizens and the economic well-being of critical sectors in our economy.
“It is particularly critical for New York to re-energize the strong legacy of farm and food entrepreneurship that our family farmers and food manufacturers are well known for. We know that private sector investment in the Ag Tech and food space has tripled over the past several years, and the Life Sciences Initiative should help New York retain and attract more entrepreneurial opportunities. The College’s leading expertise in plant sciences, biological sciences and bioinformatics, precision agriculture technologies, and food systems entrepreneurship are well positioned to assist in the commercialization of farm and food innovation into our rural communities.
“The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences appreciates Governor Cuomo’s leadership and that of the New York State Legislature for the inclusion of language that explicitly recognizes the importance of agricultural and biotechnology sciences and food systems innovation in the Life Sciences Initiative.”
Kathryn J. Boor
Ronald P. Lynch Dean
