The State University of New York (SUNY) Invests $5 Million in Agricultural Technology
SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr. announced a $5 million investment in agricultural technology research and workforce development across four campuses in New York State.
Funding Breakdown
Each of the following campuses will receive between $1.15 million and $1.35 million:
- Alfred State College - $1.15 million: Developing new certificate and microcredential programs in agricultural data management and artificial intelligence, with infrastructure upgrades for better internet access, livestock monitoring, and robotic manure-handling. Partnering with Cornell University, Finger Lakes Dairy Service, and DeLaval Dairy Services.
- SUNY Cobleskill - $1.15 million: Establishing a statewide agricultural biotechnology network with autonomous farm machinery, drones, robotics, artificial intelligence, and sustainable farming technologies. Acquiring precision planting systems, GPS-guided tractors, drone imaging, and automated livestock feeding equipment.
- SUNY Delhi - $1.35 million: Creating a robotics and automation laboratory for training in food and dairy processing, automated packaging, warehousing, and agricultural supply-chain operations. The lab will include robotic arms and industrial training equipment.
- SUNY Morrisville - $1.35 million: Developing a living agricultural innovation laboratory with a solar-powered mobile trailer and advanced farming equipment, including drones, GPS-guided tractors, precision planting, and AI-powered livestock monitoring. Partnering with Mohawk Valley Community College, Cornell Cooperative Extension, and regional agricultural organizations.
Impact on New York's Agriculture
With approximately 30,650 farms covering 22% of the state's land area, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, New York's agriculture industry contributes $2.7 billion to the state's GDP and supports 165,000 jobs.
SUNY officials aim to assist agricultural businesses in adopting new technologies while preparing students for tech-driven careers in the industry. For more information, visit suny.edu/agriculture.