Tom Vilsack Secretary of U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) | Official Website
GENEVA, N.Y., June 26, 2024 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Agricultural Research Service (ARS) and Cornell University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) hosted a groundbreaking ceremony today for a new USDA grape research facility on the Cornell AgriTech campus.
The over 70,000 square foot facility will be named the National Grape Improvement Center and will house the ARS Grape Genetics Research Unit and ARS Plant Genetic Resources Unit. Additionally, four Cornell grapevine research projects will relocate to the new center.
“Ag research conducted by USDA and Cornell University will both enhance U.S. grape production and ensure farmers are better able to fight the impacts of climate change," said Agriculture Deputy Secretary Xochitl Torres Small. “The Biden-Harris Administration is proud to work with Leader Schumer to invest in the USDA-ARS National Grape Improvement Center, which in turn helps maintain our nation's food security while also building a stronger and more resilient food system.”
ARS and university employees will focus on advancing grape production through interdisciplinary research, breeding, and technology transfer. Their work aims to improve efficiency, profitability, and sustainability for the U.S. grape industry.
“The USDA-ARS National Grape Improvement Center will provide an excellent platform for deepening the productive synergies in grape research between ARS and Cornell University,” said ARS Administrator Dr. Simon Liu. “This facility will provide our researchers with greater resources to continue pioneering work that has cultivated a legacy of innovation and enhanced grape quality worldwide.”
The partnership between ARS and Cornell University combines diverse skills and knowledge to develop technology addressing agricultural challenges affecting farmers, producers, and consumers nationwide.
“On behalf of Cornell University, I am grateful for the federal investment that is building the USDA-ARS National Grape Improvement Center on the campus of Cornell AgriTech,” said Cornell University Provost Michael I. Kotlikoff. “Locating this state-of-the-art facility here recognizes the longstanding partnership between Cornell and the ARS Grape Genetics Research Unit.”
Other leaders who spoke at the groundbreaking ceremony included:
- Xochitl Torres Small, USDA Deputy Secretary
- Chuck Schumer, U.S. Senate Majority Leader, New York
- Christine Smart, Goichman Family Director of Cornell AgriTech
- Dr. Gan-Yuan Zhong, ARS Grape Genetics Research Unit Research Leader
The Agricultural Research Service is USDA's chief scientific in-house research agency focused on solving agricultural problems affecting America daily.
Cornell University's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences pioneers purpose-driven science across disciplines to tackle contemporary challenges through renowned research, education, and outreach.
USDA's mission under the Biden-Harris Administration includes transforming America’s food system with a focus on resilient local food production; fairer markets; access to nutritious food; new income streams for farmers using climate-smart practices; investments in rural infrastructure; clean energy capabilities; equity across its workforce; removing systemic barriers; building a representative workforce.
