Genesee Valley Research, Promotion Projects Receive State Money

From Gov. Andrew Cuomo's office:

More than $1 million for seven research, promotion and development projects to strengthen New York state's diverse agricultural industry and spur economic growth across the state was announced June 1 by Gov. Andrew Cuomo.

The money, approved by the Genesee Valley Regional Market Authority, supports the continuation of malting barley research, enhances the processing capacity at a regional food hub, and assists with renovations to the New York Wine and Culinary Center, among other initiatives.

 

“Agriculture remains a core pillar of New York’s economy, and the greater Genesee Valley region is one of our most vibrant agricultural areas, supporting thousands of farms and agribusinesses,” Cuomo said. 

“These strategic investments in research, facilities, and training are a key part of the Finger Lakes Forward and Southern Tier Soaring blueprints and are essential to the success of the agricultural industry and its future growth,” Cuomo said.
 
The Genesee Valley Regional Market Authority, in cooperation with the state Department of Agriculture and Markets, solicits applications each year to assist in the development of agriculture and agriculture-related businesses in nine counties in the Finger Lakes and Southern Tier regions: Genesee, Livingston, Monroe, Ontario, Orleans, Steuben, Wayne, Wyoming and Yates. 

Agriculture supports thousands of jobs in the Genesee Valley, and is one of the key areas of investment in both the Southern Tier Soaring and Finger Lakes Forward regional economic development plans.  
 
The authority has awarded more than $7.5 million to 67 projects in the Genesee Valley through the Agriculture Development Grant Program since 2011.
The Genesee Valley Regional Market Authority Board of Directors has voted to fund the following projects in 2017:

• Cornell University’s New York State Agricultural Experiment Station - $260,000:  to support the continuation of a multi-year research plan focused on malting barley in New York State, which is critical to advancing the state’s craft beverage industry.

• New York Wine & Culinary Center - $250,000:  for the promotion of local food and beverages and facility renovations.

• New York Wine & Grape Foundation - $200,000: to support the NY Drinks NY program, a promotional effort showcasing New York’s wine and grape industries.

• Foodlink - $200,000: to purchase machinery and equipment and make renovations that will enhance value-added processing operations at the regional food hub.

• Cornell Agriculture and Food Technology Park Corporation (The Technology Farm) - $84,527:  to expand and renovate space at the facility to increase capacity and efficiency of the Technology Farm’s operations.

• Northeastern Juice Cooperative - $50,000:  to develop a business plan, including marketing analysis and food safety certifications, for an apple juice processing facility.

• Western NY Maple Producers - $37,323:  for training and to purchase equipment to test processes for new products.