Photo of the Day: Agricultural Incubator Breaks Ground

Local politicians and the president of Stony Brook University gathered to officially break ground on the at the Stony Brook University Calverton Business Incubator on Monday morning.

The Center will hold "fully functional resources for agricultural producers and small scale food processors in both hot process and dry process functions," according to a statement from Stony Brook University. The extension will add an additional 8,300 square feet to the existing incubator.

The Town of Riverhead donated the 50 acres of land where the new center will be built, officials said.

“This is a unique opportunity for our agricultural community to develop new, marketable consumer items and enhance existing product lines and, importantly, create new jobs and improve our region’s ability to remain competitive in the global marketplace,” said State Senator Ken LaValle, R-Port Jefferson.

Project officials said they expect to have construction completed by summer 2012.