For more than 125 years, Cornell AgriTech in Geneva has developed cutting-edge technologies essential to feeding the world and strengthening New York economies. From developing safe and nutritious foods to pioneering means to preserve the environment, Cornell AgriTech serves millions of New York consumers, agricultural producers, food businesses and farm families throughout the state. SWBR designed the 20,000SF renovation of the 1960-constructed building.
Cornell Chronicle Article Excerpt:
Food entrepreneurs in New York are getting a big boost from advanced technologies and facilities now available at the Cornell Food Venture Center (CFVC). The renovated CFVC pilot plant reopened Oct. 4 at a ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating the enhanced capabilities of the state-of-the-art facility. The renovations were made possible through more than $13 million in funding from the state to grow food and beverage businesses in New York.
The Cornell Food Venture Center – part of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences located at Cornell AgriTech in Geneva, New York – supports more than 500 companies and brings approximately 2,000 products to market each year.
“Farms and local food are critical components of our Upstate economy and these improvements to Cornell’s hub for advanced food technology will help support farmers and food entrepreneurs across the region,” said Gov. Andrew Cuomo. “When we invest in how our food is grown, processed and packaged, we are investing in a stronger, healthier New York for all.”
The refurbished facility will help entrepreneurs introduce more natural ingredients, design smart packaging materials and incorporate other innovations in their products. Advanced engineering at the pilot plant allows manufacture of the same final food product using an assortment of processing technology options, bringing added flexibility to the facilities.