A federal research agency and four new businesses will be among the first enterprises to call the Cornell Agriculture and Food Technology Park (CAFTP) home. Cornell University officials will be joined Wednesday, Nov. 16, by government and business leaders 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.”Cornell University is committed to technology transfer as a potential engine for economic development, both on and off campus,” said Susan Henry, dean of Cornell’s College of Agriculture and Life Science. “Increasingly, we will partner with new enterprises involved in cutting-edge technologies in agriculture, food and the new life sciences, as well as with other universities and high-tech industries.” “The seeds of innovation are taking root at the Cornell Agriculture and Food Technology Park,” said New York State Sen. Michael F. Nozzolio (R,C-Fayette), a member of CAFTP’s board of directors. “This new economic engine is just beginning to deliver on its promise of bringing new businesses and jobs to the region.”The first tenants at The Technology Farm will include the federal Agricultural Research Service (ARS), Berrigen Biotechnology LLC, Cherrypharm Inc., Terramend LLC and Vitis Biosciences Inc.The ARS, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s chief scientific research agency, 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. o Berrigen Biotechnology LLC is focused on the production of bio-fortified plants to improve quality and human health. o Cherrypharm Inc., working with Cornell scientists, has developed an all-natural cherry juice nutritional supplement. The company recently completed its first production run and its founder will be working with The Technology Farm to help create a food and beverage innovation center. o Terramend LLC is developing products that will utilize agricultural waste products for environmental remediation. o Vitis Biosciences Inc., a company with investment from Chile, is working with Cornell to develop and sell virus-resistant grapevine rootstocks to nurseries servicing the growing, worldwide wine and grape industry. “We are pleased to welcome these new partners to The Technology Farm,” said Daniel J. Fessenden, CAFTP’s executive director. “We look forward to working with each of them and helping them capitalize on the world-class research taking place at Cornell. We invite other businesses, entrepreneurs and agencies to contact us to find out more about the strategic opportunities that exist at the Cornell Agriculture and Food Technology Park. “The Cornell Agriculture and Food Technology Park is the result of nearly 10 years of planning by Cornell, the City of Geneva and Ontario County. Since then, more than $8 million in local, state and federal funding has been raised to complete phase one construction of the park. The park has received considerable support from New York State Electric & Gas Corp., plus state and federal legislators.For more information, visit www.thetechnologyfarm.com
