Hudson Valley Research Laboratory Celebrates Completion of Major Modernization Championed by Hinchey
October 14, 2026
Horticulture Lab Dedicated as “Hinchey Innovation Hub” in Tribute to the Senator’s Advocacy for Agricultural Research that Helps Farmers Protect Hudson Valley Crops and New York’s Food Supply
Senator Michelle Hinchey, Farmers and Scientists Celebrate Three-Year Capital Improvement Project Transforming Hudson Valley Research Lab in Highland into a State-of-the-Art Center for Agricultural Innovation
Senator Michelle Hinchey, Farmers and Scientists Celebrate Three-Year Capital Improvement Project Transforming Hudson Valley Research Lab in Highland into a State-of-the-Art Center for Agricultural Innovation
HIGHLAND, NY – Hudson Valley farmers and scientists have dedicated the Horticulture Lab at the Hudson Valley Research Laboratory (HVRL) as the “Hinchey Innovation Hub,” honoring Senator Michelle Hinchey for her $1 million investment and tireless advocacy on behalf of agricultural research. The dedication marks the completion of a three-year capital improvement project that has transformed the facility into a state-of-the-art research hub equipped to help Hudson Valley farmers address increasingly complex threats to crop production.
The Hudson Valley is often two years ahead of other regions in climate-related shifts and emerging invasive pests migrating into New York. That makes the Hudson Valley Research Lab the state’s frontline in agricultural research, where solutions developed for local farms become an early defense to help stabilize farms across the state. The Hudson Valley Research Laboratory was founded in 1923 as a joint venture owned and operated by farmers and Cornell AgriTech scientists who identified the need for a field station focused on timely, relevant research and technological innovations to solve issues farmers were seeing on the ground. Today, that mission remains as critical as ever, with local growers facing mounting pressures from rising temperatures, climate-related crop diseases, increasing infestations of invasive species, and extreme weather - such as the unprecedented April 2026 crop freeze that resulted in widespread crop losses for fruit farmers across the region.
Originally constructed in 1964, the laboratory needed substantial updates to meet advanced research standards. Over the past three years, the funding provided by Hinchey has enabled the facility to undergo extensive improvements focused on upgrading aging infrastructure, which include major modernizations to research lab spaces, ventilation and environmental controls, improved heating and cooling systems, enhanced building insulation, and energy-efficient heat pumps to replace fuel-oil heating. A new 20kW rooftop solar installation now supports facility operations, from laboratories and cold storage to electric vehicle charging. Together, these improvements have strengthened the laboratory’s capacity to conduct applied agricultural research that serves growers throughout the Hudson Valley and Eastern New York. It also lays the groundwork for future innovation in sustainable technologies, including precision agriculture, renewable energy integration, and agrivoltaics.
Senator Michelle Hinchey said, “As we look at what’s happening across other major agricultural states, we’re seeing extreme weather and climate impacts devastate food production. In the face of these growing uncertainties, the Hudson Valley Research Lab is a guiding light, producing some of the most cutting-edge research in the country and delivering real-time solutions to help New York farmers protect their crops and keep food on our tables. The lab’s aging facilities needed modernization to keep pace with today’s challenges, and I’m proud to have delivered the funding to make that possible. It’s incredible to see how those capital improvements are already advancing strategies to protect New York agriculture. I look forward to building on this partnership to keep the Hudson Valley at the forefront of agricultural innovation and protect our statewide food supply.”
The Hudson Valley is often two years ahead of other regions in climate-related shifts and emerging invasive pests migrating into New York. That makes the Hudson Valley Research Lab the state’s frontline in agricultural research, where solutions developed for local farms become an early defense to help stabilize farms across the state. The Hudson Valley Research Laboratory was founded in 1923 as a joint venture owned and operated by farmers and Cornell AgriTech scientists who identified the need for a field station focused on timely, relevant research and technological innovations to solve issues farmers were seeing on the ground. Today, that mission remains as critical as ever, with local growers facing mounting pressures from rising temperatures, climate-related crop diseases, increasing infestations of invasive species, and extreme weather - such as the unprecedented April 2026 crop freeze that resulted in widespread crop losses for fruit farmers across the region.
Originally constructed in 1964, the laboratory needed substantial updates to meet advanced research standards. Over the past three years, the funding provided by Hinchey has enabled the facility to undergo extensive improvements focused on upgrading aging infrastructure, which include major modernizations to research lab spaces, ventilation and environmental controls, improved heating and cooling systems, enhanced building insulation, and energy-efficient heat pumps to replace fuel-oil heating. A new 20kW rooftop solar installation now supports facility operations, from laboratories and cold storage to electric vehicle charging. Together, these improvements have strengthened the laboratory’s capacity to conduct applied agricultural research that serves growers throughout the Hudson Valley and Eastern New York. It also lays the groundwork for future innovation in sustainable technologies, including precision agriculture, renewable energy integration, and agrivoltaics.
Senator Michelle Hinchey said, “As we look at what’s happening across other major agricultural states, we’re seeing extreme weather and climate impacts devastate food production. In the face of these growing uncertainties, the Hudson Valley Research Lab is a guiding light, producing some of the most cutting-edge research in the country and delivering real-time solutions to help New York farmers protect their crops and keep food on our tables. The lab’s aging facilities needed modernization to keep pace with today’s challenges, and I’m proud to have delivered the funding to make that possible. It’s incredible to see how those capital improvements are already advancing strategies to protect New York agriculture. I look forward to building on this partnership to keep the Hudson Valley at the forefront of agricultural innovation and protect our statewide food supply.”
Jared Buono, Director of the Hudson Valley Research Laboratory, said, “We're grateful to Senator Hinchey for her leadership and unwavering support of agricultural research. This investment has transformed our ability to serve growers across the Hudson Valley by providing the modern facilities needed to tackle today's most pressing challenges, from invasive pests and emerging diseases to a changing climate. The Hinchey Innovation Hub stands as a testament to what can be achieved when researchers, farmers and policymakers work together to strengthen New York agriculture."
Sarah Dressel, HVRL Board President and owner of Dressel Farms in New Paltz, said, "On behalf of the Hudson Valley Research Laboratory board, I want to thank Senator Hinchey for her steadfast support of agricultural research and for recognizing the critical role this laboratory plays in New York agriculture. For more than a century, Hudson Valley growers have partnered with scientists to solve real-world challenges on our farms. This investment strengthens that partnership and helps ensure farmers have the practical solutions and innovation they need for the future."
Benjamin Z. Houlton, Ronald P. Lynch Dean of the Cornell College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, said, “One of the greatest strengths of New York agriculture is the close partnership among farmers, researchers and policymakers that helps ensure new ideas and innovations can be put to work where they matter most. We're grateful for Senator Hinchey's support of the Hudson Valley Research Laboratory and her commitment to helping New York farmers remain resilient, competitive, and prepared for the future. The Hudson Valley has long been one of New York's most important agricultural regions, and this investment will help ensure growers continue to benefit from the research and expertise needed to thrive."
The Hudson Valley Research Laboratory is home to some of the nation’s leading pest management experts, who are testing cutting-edge solutions, such as elevated pheromone trapping systems designed to intercept lanternflies as they move between surrounding woodlands and apple orchards. At the same time, the Hudson Valley's warm, humid climate, combined with the impacts of climate change, can intensify orchard diseases such as fire blight, one of the most destructive diseases affecting the region's apple industry. To help growers stay ahead of these challenges, researchers are developing and testing sustainable management strategies, including ultraviolet-light technologies that suppress disease pressure while reducing reliance on traditional chemical treatments. This work helps protect not just the Hudson Valley, but New York’s entire agricultural industry.
As challenges to growing New York’s food supply continue to evolve, Senator Hinchey’s investment in the Hudson Valley Research Lab and continued advocacy will help ensure that farmers in the Hudson Valley and beyond have access to real-time solutions to stay competitive and strengthen the region’s food system.
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