State-of-the-Art Facility in City of Geneva Supports Entrepreneurs Focused on Food Beverage and Agriculture Technology Innovation
Bolstering Next Generation Ideas is a Key Component of the Region’s Comprehensive Strategy to Revitalize Communities and Grow the Economy
See pictures of facility and ribbon cutting here
Empire State Development (ESD) today announced the completion of the Cornell Agriculture and Food Technology Park Corporation’s (CAFTPC) Tech Farm II expansion, a project that will double the park’s current capacity and further bolster food, beverage and agricultural innovation in the Finger Lakes. Tech Farm II offers 20,000 square feet of customizable manufacturing and ancillary space for food and agriculture businesses, designed for research, product development and small-scale manufacturing. In addition to providing badly needed manufacturing and food processing space for businesses accessing the resources of Cornell AgriTech, the new facility will additionally provide space for onsite companies that have outgrown the CAFTPC’s existing incubator facility. The new building will be the third facility at the 72-acre park, joining the original 20,000-square-foot Tech Farm incubator building and Finger Lakes Community College’s Viticulture and Wine Center.
Empire State Development President, Commissioner and CEO Hope Knight said, “Innovation and commercialization continue to be top economic priorities for New York State. Under Governor Hochul’s leadership, our continued investments in projects like the Tech Farm expansion are helping to attract next-generation agribusinesses to the state, creating jobs and encouraging industry growth that is helping to move the Finger Lakes region forward.”
Located adjacent to Cornell AgriTech, the facilities are part of an ecosystem of world-renowned research and resources, providing a focused environment for startups and established businesses to grow. The Technology Farm opened in 2005, and to date has assisted more than 40 current and former tenants to launch and grow their businesses.
“The current Tech Farm has been at or near capacity since it opened in 2005, demonstrating the need for this much-anticipated expansion,” said CAFTPC Chairman Michael Manikowski. “Tech Farm II will bring new jobs to the region and provide up-and-coming businesses with the tools they need to thrive. We’re excited to usher in a new era of food and agriculture innovation and economic development in the Finger Lakes.”
ESD is supporting the project with a $1.4 million grant. The project received Federal funding, as well as support from the City of Geneva, the Ontario County Economic Development Corporation and other private financing. The total project cost was placed at $3.5 million.
The CAFTPC is one of 20 New York State certified business incubators, allowing for additional resources for tenant and member companies and a greater impact on the food and agriculture industries across the Finger Lakes region.
U.S. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer said, “Today’s Tech Farm II grand opening is proof that investing in our local food and agriculture pays dividends for Finger Lakes job creation. From the new National Grape Improvement Center at to Tech Farm II, I’ve fought hard to deliver federal resources to turn Cornell AgriTech’s world-class innovation into economic energy, new businesses and jobs. I’m proud to have secured $1.5 million for Tech Farm II to double the Tech Farm’s capacity to attract and host new job-creating businesses, so startups can scale up and stay local, right here in Geneva. Paired with the AgriTech campus’s new USDA National Grape Improvement Center – that we broke ground on last year thanks to $68.9 million I secured – Tech Farm II will make sure New York stays at the forefront of food and agricultural innovation while creating good-paying jobs in Ontario County.”
U.S. Senator Kirsten Gilibrand said, “I’d like to congratulate the Cornell Agriculture and Food Technology Park Corporation on the grand opening of Tech Farm II. With access to Cornell AgriTech and a rich tapestry of agricultural businesses in the heart of the Finger Lakes, this will be an invaluable resource for entrepreneurs. Expanded manufacturing and processing capacity will address a significant outstanding need for this industry. I’ll keep fighting for federal resources to ensure that New York remains the preeminent destination for food and agricultural research and innovation.”
State Assemblymember Jeff Gallahan said, “It is very exciting to see this facility completed to help support our agricultural, manufacturing and food-processing businesses throughout the Finger Lakes region. As a small business owner and an advocate for small businesses and agricultural communities statewide, I fully support the opening of the CAFTPC’s Tech Farm II expansion. This project will welcome future generations of hardworking New Yorkers, help our agricultural businesses expand and flourish, revitalize our communities throughout the Finger Lakes region and drive New York’s economy forward.”
Executive Director of the Ontario County Industrial Development Agency Ryan Davis said, “The Ontario County Economic Development Corporation is proud to have been a part of this important collaboration to help deliver first-class manufacturing space for our growing food and agricultural businesses. Tech Farm II is a perfect example of the wonderful things we can accomplish while working together. Agriculture and manufacturing is at the heart of Ontario County economic development and we look forward to working with the tenants of both Tech Farm I and now Tech Farm II to continue to grow and thrive here.”
For more information about the Cornell Agriculture and Food Technology Park, visit https://www.thetechnologyfarm.com/.
Accelerating Economic Development in the Finger Lakes
Today’s announcement complements “Finger Lakes Forward,” the region’s comprehensive strategy to generate robust economic growth and community development. The regionally designed plan focuses on investing in key industries including photonics, agriculture and food production, and advanced manufacturing. More information is available here.
About Empire State Development
Empire State Development is New York's chief economic development agency, and promotes business growth, job creation, and greater economic opportunity throughout the state. With offices in each of the state's 10 regions, ESD oversees the Regional Economic Development Councils, supports broadband equity through the ConnectALL office, and is growing the workforce of tomorrow through the Office of Strategic Workforce Development. The agency engages with emerging and next generation industries like clean energy and semiconductor manufacturing looking to grow in New York State, operates a network of assistance centers to help small businesses grow and succeed, and promotes the state's world class tourism destinations through I LOVE NY. For more information, please visit esd.ny.gov, and connect with ESD on LinkedIn, Facebook and X.
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