Background

On May 27, 2005 a Task Force was formed to analyze the college agriculture program and provide advice on its future. The resulting Task Force Report (PDF - 352 KB) laid the conceptual groundwork for the Center. Terry Tucker, from Cornell University, and Paul Wolcott, a local dairy farmer, played key leadership roles in the development of the Task Force Report. Pete Chatain, Alfred State Farm Manager, assisted in this endeavor. Other farmers who have been involved include local organic farmers Jerry Snyder and John Stoltzfus.

Following the Task Force Report, a detailed Business Plan (PDF - 2,609 KB) was developed to operationalize the concepts proposed. Joan Petzen and Jim Grace, from the Cornell Cooperative Extension, were the central individuals developing the business plan for the new Center.

Throughout this visioning process, outstanding leadership was provided by Bob Albrecht, SUNY Distinguished Professor and then Interim Vice President for Academic Affairs at Alfred State College.