Geneva, New York
December 22, 2006
by Linda McCandless
The New York State
Agricultural Experiment Station (NYSAES) turns 125-years-old
in 2007. It will launch a year-long celebration of this
milestone event with a reception on January 10, 2007, from
6:30-9:00 p.m. before the annual meeting of the New York State
Agricultural Society in Syracuse, N.Y.
"The Geneva Experiment Station officially opened its doors in
1882," said Station director Thomas J. Burr. "We were
established by an act of the state legislature to promote
agriculture in New York through scientific investigation, and
have been working to promote food and agriculture in New York
ever since."
The NYSAES's milestone anniversary coincides with two other
auspicious events: the 175th anniversary of the establishment of
the New York State Agricultural Society, in 1832; and the 200th
birthday of Ezra Cornell, one of the two founders of Cornell
University, who was born on January 11, 1807. This coincidence
will be celebrated with a 200th birthday party reception and
cake cutting on January 11, 2007, at 5:00 p.m., also during the
NYS Ag Society meeting. The reception will honor Ezra and the
contributions he made to New York State agriculture, and will be
hosted by Susan A. Henry, dean of Cornell's College of
Agriculture and Life Sciences, and the current Ezra Cornell (the
great-great-great grandson of Ezra Cornell [1807-1874]).
The other major 125th celebration for the NYSAES will be a
two-day Open House in Geneva on September 14 and 15, 2007. Over
1000 local high school students from the area will tour the
Station on Sept. 14, from 10 a.m.-3 p.m., to gain some hands-on
appreciation for careers in science. On September 15, the public
will be invited to a day-long celebration that will include
activities in the Station's labs, greenhouses, pilot plants, and
tours of field activities.
"We're already well into the planning stages, said Burr. "We
expect from 4,000-10,000 people to attend."
Other participants in the NYSAES Open House will include
partners like the USDA-ARS Plant Genetics Resources Unit, the
Cornell Agriculture and Food Technology Park, NYS Ag & Markets,
the NY Farm Bureau, the NYS Seed Laboratory, the NYS wine
industry, the Strong Museum, and various entrepreneurs
associated with the Food Venture Center.
Other events in 2007 at which the NYSAES 125th will have a major
presence include:
-
NY Farm
Viability Institute Annual meeting, Feb. 1, Syracuse, N.Y.
-
Viticulture
2007, Feb. 7-9, Rochester, N.Y.
-
NYS Fruit and
Vegetable Expo, Feb. 14-15, 2007, Syracuse, N.Y.
-
Cornell
University Enology & Viticulture Gala, March 15, NYC.
-
Empire Farm
Days, Aug. 8-10, Seneca Falls, N.Y.
-
Fun on the
Farm, Sept 22, location TBD.
There are 46 Cornell University
faculty located in four departments at the NYSAES: horticultural
sciences, entomology, plant pathology, and food science and
technology. Together, they make the NYSAES a world leader in
advancing sustainable agriculture and food systems through
innovative research, education, and extension.
Since becoming part of Cornell in 1923, NYSAES has gained
national preeminence as a center for research focused on the
production, protection, and utilization of fruit and vegetable
crops, working closely with agricultural, food, and bio-based
industries. Over the years, the partnership has generated many
billions of dollars for the New York state economy.
"We are looking forward to a great year," said Burr. "Our 125th
gives us the chance to get out in front of many consumers and
stakeholders to remind them about the important work we do in
support of New York State agriculture, and our impact-today and
in the future-for turning challenges into opportunities." |