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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 16, 2004

SCHUMER, CLINTON: KEY SENATE PANEL APPROVES $949,474 FOR SALARIES & EXPENSES AT CORNELL’S AG & FOOD TECH PARK

Funding will be used to pay the salaries of scientists and technicians and other expenses for the Grape Genetics Research and Grape Rootstock projects at Cornell’s Geneva Research Park

US Senators Charles E. Schumer and Hillary Rodham Clinton today announced that the Senate Appropriations Committee approved $979,474 for salaries and expenses at Cornell’s Ag & Food Technology Park in Geneva. Under the bill, $515,317 will be given to the Grape Genetics research program and $434,157 will go to the Grape Rootstock Resistance Assessment project. The bill will now be proceed to the Senate Floor.

"We have to invest in finding ways to improve science for our farmers," said Schumer. "This funding will ensure Cornell’s scientists have the resources they need to improve the grape and wine industry, which is such a rich and vital part of New York’s upstate economy.”

"New York’s grape growers are so important to New York’s economy and culture," Senator Clinton said. “This funding will help scientists to conduct critical research to help our growers to grow healthier, more pest-resistant grapes."

The funding will pay for staff and researcher salaries and other expenses. The Grape Genetics Research funding will be used for projects that would generate new horticulturally acceptable grape varieties that can fight off disease pressures prevalent in the eastern United States. The Grape Rootstock Resistance Assessment project will use the funding to study grape seedlings.

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