By Blake Jackson
The Hudson Valley Research Laboratory (HVRL) in Highland, New York, a collaboration between Cornell AgriTech and local growers, is poised for significant growth and innovation thanks to a $1 million investment from New York State.
Senator Michelle Hinchey announced the funding on July 10th, emphasizing the critical role of the HVRL in supporting the region's vital agricultural sector.
The lab, a partnership between Cornell's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) and local farmers, is dedicated to addressing the challenges faced by Hudson Valley specialty crop producers.
The Hudson Valley is renowned for its high-quality fruits and vegetables, but growers grapple with climate change, invasive pests like the spotted lanternfly, and other obstacles. The HVRL plays a pivotal role in developing science-based solutions to these problems.
This new funding will enable the lab to enhance its infrastructure and expand research capabilities. By working closely with growers and leveraging expertise from Cornell Cooperative Extension and New York State Integrated Pest Management, the HVRL aims to secure the future of food production in the region and beyond.
“The value of the science that happens in this facility to commercial agriculture is priceless,” said Sarah Dressel-Nikles ’11, HVRL board president, who owns a local multigenerational fruit farm. “The lab is the heartbeat of the region’s farming, and this investment will ensure that it can help carry Hudson Valley agriculture into the future.”
Chris Smart, the Goichman Family Director of Cornell AgriTech and associate dean of CALS: “This funding from Sen. Hinchey will help bring AgriTech’s vision to reality in one of New York state’s most important agricultural regions and will allow our experts there to deliver more robust agricultural solutions for some of the biggest challenges on the road ahead.”
Photo Credit: cornell-university
Categories: New York, Business, Education