SUNY Morrisville has received a $1.35 million investment as part of a $5 million SUNY initiative to advance agritech research and strengthen New York’s agricultural workforce.
One of four SUNY colleges selected for the investment, Morrisville will use the funding to establish a living agricultural innovation lab centered around a mobile, solar-powered trailer and advanced farm equipment.
The initiative offers opportunities to explore how emerging technologies can address real-world challenges in modern agriculture. Equipment and technology will include drones and image processing technology, a precision-GPS tractor, reduced-tillage strip-till equipment, liquid manure injection, precision liquid-fertilizer corn planter, air seeder and an AI-powered barn camera system.
“SUNY is proud to be a state leader in supporting and strengthening New York State’s agriculture industry and dedicate resources that will help our campuses continue to lead innovation in this area,” said SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr. “As the agriculture industry continues to advance, it is vital that we continue to invest in initiatives that prepare the highly skilled workforce of the future.”
“We are excited to receive this $1.35 million investment, which will establish a mobile agricultural innovation lab at SUNY Morrisville, bringing emerging agricultural technologies and equipment to our students and giving them valuable experience with the tools and practices shaping the future of agriculture,” said SUNY Morrisville President Michelle Coach.
“This builds on SUNY Morrisville’s tradition of hands-on learning while helping prepare students for careers in a changing agricultural industry and strengthening New York’s workforce alongside Mohawk Valley Community College,” Coach added.
The college is partnering with Mohawk Valley Community College, Cornell Cooperative Extensions, Madison County Industrial Development Agency and White’s Farm Supply to advance the project.
The other three award recipients are Alfred State College, SUNY Cobleskill Ag & Tech and SUNY Delhi.