The Center will be directed by a Management Committee composed of academicians, local farmers, community leaders, and industry representatives. The lead individuals for the organic dairy component will be Dr. Mel Chambliss and Dr. Dorthea Fitzsimons, both licensed veterinarians who are Alfred State College faculty members. The lead individual for the organic crop production component will be Dr. Matt Harbur, our newly acquired organic farming expert. Additional faculty leadership will be identified for other components of the program.
Agriculture has been a part of the beautiful western New York landscape since the Iroquois developed the technology to grow corn, beans, and squash. Alfred State College has been part of that local agricultural legacy for the past 100 years, working with local farmers to help them improve their operations. Now, due to the vision and assistance of Senator Cathy Young, the college will open a new chapter, developing and transferring knowledge about sustainable agriculture to benefit producers, consumers, and their local communities.