We do not expect companies doing research in the Park to emphasize production of GMOs. In fact, the initial market feasibility study indicated the greatest interest by food processing companies. Wednesday's tour focused on Station programs in food safety, wine making, food processing, entrepreneurial food ventures, biological control, precision breeding, and insect control. After visiting the Park site, the Assemblymen held a roundtable discussion with graduate students, post doctoral associates and scientists from local biotechnology companies. Professional integrity must be maintained or you're not employable in the long run.
Scientists know that.
A roundtable discussion was also held with faculty and department chairs to address their interests in the Park. They spoke about the need for collaborative partners. As it is now, scientists leave New York to go to work in the private sector in three other biotech clusters in the country-Boston, New Jersey, and Southern California. We need to enhance the critical mass right here. David Prull said FLCC had received funding to develop a two-year biotech degree program and he looked forward to companies in the Park providing employment for their students so they could remain in the area.