About Program

Harvest New York seeks to link consumers and producers in the following project areas:
Local Food and Supply Chain Management
Harvest NY analyzes supply chain logistics and inefficiencies to develop solutions that create resiliency and self-reliance in the New York farm food value chain. Educators work in Farm-to-School, New York Grown and Certified, food safety, and farm-based beverages. Our work promotes economic growth and consumer access to New York products.
Urban Agriculture
Promoting sustainable commercial agriculture development and entrepreneurship for urban farms producing in soil, greenhouses, or vertical/enclosed facilities through educational programming in production, harvesting, packaging, marketing, and food safety.
Community Gardens
Fostering innovative urban farming methods that improve ecological resilience and meet urgent food access needs through community education, engagement and empowerment.
Emerging Crops
Exploring the potential for new crops including Cannabis, small fruits, hops and more.
Ag Climate Resiliency
Encouraging implementation of mitigation practices to help protect New York farms from the real challenges of climate change.
Specialists in these areas develop educational programs that increase agricultural investments, profitability and sustainability by:
Promoting sustainable commercial agriculture development and entrepreneurship for urban farms producing in soil, greenhouses, or vertical/enclosed facilities through educational programming in production, harvesting, packaging, marketing, and food safety.
Community Gardens
Fostering innovative urban farming methods that improve ecological resilience and meet urgent food access needs through community education, engagement and empowerment.
Emerging Crops
Exploring the potential for new crops including Cannabis, small fruits, hops and more.
Ag Climate Resiliency
Encouraging implementation of mitigation practices to help protect New York farms from the real challenges of climate change.
Specialists in these areas develop educational programs that increase agricultural investments, profitability and sustainability by:
- Maximizing connections to research and resources of Cornell University and Cornell Cooperative Extension
- Responding to emerging opportunities
- Assisting with workforce development and business expansion
- Increasing the profitability of this key New York industry
Harvest New York is funded by New York State.
Upcoming Events
How to Grow Edible Mushrooms on Logs
April 12, 2025
10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Upper Manhattan, NY
Join Cornell's network of Community Mushroom Educators and the NYRP Urban Ag team to learn how to grow Shiitake mushrooms on logs. This hands-on workshop will include plenty of opportunity to practice drilling and filling logs with shiitake mushroom spawn. In addition to experiential learning, we'll explore the benefits of mushroom cultivation and tour the NYRP log yard, discussing best practices for maintaining a successful outdoor mushroom-growing system.NOTE: THIS WORKSHOP IS FULL. Waitlist registrations being accepted.
Compost Café: BioChar
April 16, 2025
12:00 noon EDT
At this virtual event, Karen Guzman, Harvest NY Urban Garden Specialist, will discuss biochar in urban agriculture. Hear about the the history of biochar, explore some of its environmental benefits, and learn how this innovative solution can transform urban growing spaces. Learn how biochar can be used to creatively manage organic waste and enhance sustainability in your own community. Announcements
Community Gardens Soil Testing Program Accepting Applications
Soil testing supports the growth and expansion of community gardens by protecting the health and safety of the food produced in these gardens. CCE Harvest NY, in partnership with the NYS Department of Agriculture & Markets (AGM) and the Cornell Soil Health Lab, is offering eligible, food-producing gardens in New York State the opportunity to send soil samples for testing without charge.The soil test will analyze samples for heavy metals and nutrient levels. Test results help gardeners make appropriate plans to produce high quality fruits, vegetables, and flowers. Technical support and education for participating growers will be provided by the CCE Harvest New York team. Learn more about the 2025 Community Gardens Soil Testing Program.