History of NYSIP

In 1991, the Commissioner of the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets designated the New York State College of Agriculture and Life Sciences as the official seed certifying agency for the state of New York. To carry out these responsibilities, the New York Seed Improvement Project (NYSIP) has been established as an activity within the School of Integrated Plant Sciences (SIPS) Plant Breeding & Genetics Section at Cornell University. Prior to 1991, Seed Certification and Foundation Seed production in New York were the responsibility of the New York Seed Improvement Cooperative, Inc. (NYSIC).

NYSIP’s mission is to produce and distribute genetically pure Foundation Seedstocks of improved crop varieties developed by Cornell University Plant Breeders to northeast seed producers and to oversee the production of Certified Seed for use by northeast farmers.

NYSIP’s objective is to assist Cornell Plant Breeders by providing a conduit for delivering the results of their research to commercial agriculture to ensure that Certified Seed being offered to farmers meets the rigid genetic and quality standards specified in state and federal seed laws. Twelve-month staffing includes a project manager, administrative assistant, and a part -time bookkeeper. Seasonal employees are hired to assist with Field Inspection and Foundation Seed production activities. Central offices are located in Leland Lab on the Cornell University Campus. Seed conditioning and storage facilities are maintained in Ithaca, NY, near the campus

Staff

RJ Richtmyer, NYSIP Manager, Field inspector

Phil Atkins, NYSIP Field Inspector

Sean Moriarty, NYSIP Seed Plant Manager, Field inspector

Genevieve DeClerck, NYSIP Program Coordinator, Webmaster

Chris Delong, NYSIP Field Inspector