Fessenden named to lead Ag and Food Tech Park

By Linda McCandless

GENEVA, N.Y. -- An economic development leader and former New York State Assemblyman has been named the executive director of the Cornell Agriculture and Food Technology Park (CAFTP), in Geneva. Daniel J. Fessenden will assume the position in early September.

Fessenden

"I see the park as a catalyst for coupling private-sector investment with the world-class research being conducted at the New York State Agricultural Experiment Station," said Fessenden, a 1987 graduate of Cornell, who has a keen understanding of economic development in upstate New York. "The park provides a tremendous opportunity to leverage this research for the benefit of Cornell, the region, New York state, and the food and agricultural industry."

Fessenden said he believes the park has unbridled potential to be an economic engine for Geneva, Ontario County and the entire Finger Lakes region. "I look forward to helping the park transition to the next phase of development -- commercializing new technologies, growing businesses and creating jobs," he said.

The CAFTP enables start-up and established companies to carry out cutting edge research in food, agriculture and bio-based technologies, and will complement existing research and extension programs of the Experiment Station and Cornell. Construction for Phase I of the 72-acre park, which is located on Pre-Emption Road in Geneva, adjacent to the Experiment Station, is under way. Phase I includes supporting infrastructure and a 20,000-square-foot, multi-tenant, flexible technology building.

"Dan has a strong desire to make the agriculture and food industries in New York state stronger and more viable," said Robert C. Seem, the interim director of the Agricultural Experiment Station in Geneva. "He will do this as director of CAFTP by creating stronger ties between Cornell and the agricultural and food industries in the state. The faculty at the station are also enthusiastic about Dan. They recognize his great ability to communicate and build rapport."

Fessenden has varied experience in agriculture as a farmer and in government as a state leader. He currently serves as manager of government and community relations for the Carrier Corp. in Syracuse, a $9 billion global manufacturer. From 1993 to 1999 he served as a member of the New York State Assembly, representing the 126th District. From 1987 to 1988 he was associate director of government relations for the New York Farm Bureau.

Fessenden received his B.S. in applied economics and management in 1987 from the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) at Cornell and pursued graduate studies at the New York State College of Environmental Science and Forestry in Syracuse. In 1995, he received the CALS Alumni Association's Young Alumni Achievement Award.

CAFTP is affiliated with Cornell's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and the university's New York State Agricultural Experiment Station. The Flex Technology building currently under construction will provide space for a series of firms and is expected to create up to 80 new jobs. At full build-out, the park is expected to generate 1,000 new jobs in 10 to 15 years. A 85,000 square foot U.S. Department of Agriculture grape genetics facility is also slated to be constructed on the site, available for occupancy in 2006, housing 30 to 40 scientists.