About Program

Harvest New York is an innovative Cornell Cooperative Extension team that focuses on Growing New York's Farm and Food Economy.

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:
  • 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

Urban Ag Food Safety Webinar

March 11, 2026
12:00 pm - 1:30 pm

Urban and small-scale producers are encouraged to join us for the Urban Ag Food Safety webinar, featuring speakers from Cornell Cooperative Extension and Cornell IPM. We will explore the 'why' behind food safety, providing a basic overview and diving into specific urban ag considerations including water, pest, rodent, and soil health challenges. We will touch on the regulation and marketing landscape, and share resources for learning more. Bring your questions!

Companion Planting in the Garden -- With Mushrooms!

March 12, 2026
10:00 am - 11:30 am

Learn how to diversify your garden harvest with companion planting at this virtual workshop. Plan next spring's garden with guidance CCE Harvest NY Urban Agriculture Specialist Yolanda Gonzalez on growing three different types of mushrooms.

2026 Rochester Urban Agriculture Conference

March 21, 2026
9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Rochester, NY

Join us for our annual Rochester Urban Agriculture Conference, a day of learning and connections featuring interactive workshops, community knowledge sharing, Fruition's Gift of Seed Experience, horticulture tables and displays, and more!

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 available from the CCE Harvest New York team. Learn more about the 2026 Community Gardens Soil Testing Program.

2025 Year in Review

2025 was another year of growth and accomplishment for CCE Harvest NY! Our 2025 Year in Review highlights our impacts and details our work.
  • Farm to School Local Procurement by the Numbers
  • Biochar in the NYC Urban Agriculture Landscape
  • Harvest New York Supports Farmer-Led Research Advancing Upland Rice Production in New York State
  • Community Garden Soil Testing Program Yields Great Results
  • Regional Roots: Culinary Training to Enhance School Meals with Local Foods
  • Rooted in Learning: Strengthening Farm to School Connections Across New York
  • South Lawn Farm Expands Fresh Food Access and Urban Farming Opportunities
  • NYS Summit Advances the Mushroom Industry
  • Research to Manage Pests in Blueberries with Less Sprays
  • Building a Research and Extension Hub at Brooklyn Botanic Garden
  • A Successful Community Garden Leadership Program Pilot
  • Farm to School Events Deliver Education, Culinary Training, and Business to Business Opportunities
  • A Trusted Source of Science-Based Information for the Cannabis sativa Hemp Industry
  • Sustainable Pest Management for New York Urban Farmers
  • Cultivating Resilience: Harvest New York Drives the State's Climate Goals Through Research and Outreach
  • Expanding Agritourism Outreach Across New York State
  • Coordinating City Agencies, Academia, and Community Gardens to Improve Urban Soils
  • USDA Urban Agriculture Training Development Complete