Cornell’s AgriTech Campus in Geneva will soon host a new $69 million grape research facility. U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer announced the funding, highlighting its significance for the future of America’s wine and grape industry.
The new National Grape Improvement Center will span over 70,000 square feet and support the USDA’s Grape Genetics Research Unit and Plant Genetic Resources Unit. This facility aims to enhance research on grapes, apples, cherries, and hemp, fostering collaboration between federal scientists and Cornell researchers.
Schumer, who has advocated for this project since 2018, emphasized the impact on the Finger Lakes region. The center will advance grape cultivation, combat environmental challenges, and support local growers. The project also includes nearly $1.5 million for expanding the Tech Farm Food Business incubator on Cornell’s Geneva campus.
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