Governor Andrew M. Cuomo on December 12 announced$1 million in federal funding to enhance the competitiveness of New York’s agricultural products. The funding will support the research, development and promotion of specialty crops including fruits and vegetables, tree nuts, and nursery crops, and includes $200,000 to help support the growth of the state’s wine, beer, and spirits industry.
“As part of being an entrepreneurial government, New York is partnering with the private sector to establish our state as a leader in the production of a wide array of goods, from Greek yogurt to craft beer,” Governor Cuomo said. “With a robust, diverse agriculture sector, these awards will help our state join together with these rapidly growing industries to create new jobs and spur economic development in all corners of New York.”
The 2012 Specialty Crop Block Grant awards are to:
- Cornell Cooperative Extension of Madison County: $95,931 to help increase the amount of NY hops being used by brewers by helping hop growers grow and process hops of the quality required by brewers.
- Cornell University, Department of Plant Pathology and Plant-Microbe Biology: $98,428 to help increase the number of disease-tested vines planted in New York vineyards.
- Cornell University, Department of Plant Pathology/Plant Microbe Biology: $100,000 for risk assessment and management of new challenges in Phytophthora Blight for New York vegetables.
- Cornell University, Department of Plant Pathology and Plant Microbe Biology: $98,095 to enhance disease management by exploring and exploiting a novel suppression of powdery mildew in plants without the use of fungicides.
- Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County, Agricultural Stewardship Program: $63,359 to adopt a comprehensive Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program that addresses the pest issues specific to the tree fruit grown in Long Island’s maritime climate.
- Cornell Cooperative Extension of Clinton County: $57,988 to develop best management practices to enhance yield, extend the growing season, protect crops from weather extremes, and manage pests and diseases.
- Cornell University, Department of Plant Pathology and Plant-Microbe Biology: $98,225 to survey Fire Blight in New York improve control options for growers.
- Cornell University, Department of Entomology: $99,694 For Spotted Wing Drosophila (SWD) management, including an evaluation of risk factors associated with SWD.
- Cornell University, School of Applied Economics and Management: $96,759 to examine current labor options and policies on specialty crop farms in New York State.
- Cornell University, Department of Horticulture: $88,684 to develop weed-suppressive turf for organic landscape management.
- Cornell University, Departments of Entomology & Horticulture: $55,000 to increase the profitability and competitiveness of fresh-market vegetable farms by capitalizing on the pollination services provided by bumble bees.
- Northeast Organic Farming Association of New York, Inc. (NOFA-NY): $50,522 For intermediate and advanced organic and sustainable specialty crop grower education to increase competitiveness in the marketplace.
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