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Not Here, says Mayor*
Aquaculture, Agriculture and Environment
Thanks in large measure to New York State Senator Ken LaValle, Stony Brook University (SBU) will receive a $3.5 million grant from the New York State Economic Development Assistance Program (NYS EDAP) to construct an 8,500 square foot Agriculture Consumer Science Center at SBU’s Calverton Business Incubator.
SBU established the Calverton Business Incubator in 2005 to develop aquaculture, agriculture and environmental technologies. The Agriculture Consumer Science Center will be designed to complement the existing 15,680 square foot business incubator. Funding will be administered by the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York (DASNY).
The Agriculture Consumer Science Center at the Calverton Business Incubator will permit regional wine and agricultural producers and local entrepreneurs access to state-of-the-art shared processing areas. In addition, they will be able to collaborate with researchers, scientists, and professionals at Stony Brook University, Brookhaven National Laboratory, and the NYS Small Business Development Center.
“This is a unique opportunity for regional wine and food producers to develop new, marketable consumer items and enhance their product lines,” said Senator LaValle. “I am pleased to have secured the state funding needed to set this project in motion. I believe this is a worthwhile investment that will help boost our local economy, create new jobs, and increase our ability to remain competitive in the global marketplace.”
The Center will house fully functional resources for agricultural producers and small scale food processors in both hot process and dry process functions. Dry, cold, and freezer storage units will be available on site, along with a product development area with a viewing section for demonstration purposes.
Producers will also be afforded laboratory space with ductless fume hoods and a microbiology lab for research and development. A loading dock will serve both the new addition and the existing building.
“The ever-increasing cost of farming and regulatory constraints necessitates farmers to come up with strategies to remain economically viable," said Joseph Gergela, Executive Director of the Long Island Farm Bureau. "The development of value added products to their agricultural commodities is one such strategy; so we welcome the establishment of the center which will provide the necessary resources to promote new business ideas resulting in a dramatically increased likelihood for success,”
The schematic design of the facility is currently underway and is expected to be complete by the end of February. The project is expected to be let for public bid in April 2010 with construction scheduled to commence July 2010.
* see Regional News
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