Technical and Financial Resources for Urban Farmers in NYS

December 20, 2022


This online event will introduce you to urban agriculture field staff from a variety of organizations that provide direct support for urban farmers and community gardeners.

AGENDA

• Blake Glover (USDA NRCS, State Conservationist) -- Welcome and Opening Remarks
• Joseph Heller (USDA NRCS, Urban Conservationist) -- Overview of USDA technical and financial resources for urban farmers.
• Annette Nielsen (NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets, New York City Lead) -- Resources for urban and community gardens from the State of New York.
• Tony Capraro (USDA NRCS, District Conservationist) -- NRCS technical and financial assistance programs for urban farmers.
• Lynnette Wright (USDA FSA) -- Increase knowledge of financial assistance through the loan programs.
• Yolanda Gonzalez (Cornell Cooperative Extension, Urban Agriculture Specialist, + CCE Urban Gardener Specialists in NYS) -- Technical Assistance and educational programming for urban growers.

REGISTER for the event to receive a link to the Zoom webinar.

No upcoming events at this time.

New Produce Auctions in NYS!

Two new produce auctions are now open in New York State, bringing the total number of auctions to 10! See the new map of produce auction locations across the state and contact information.

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.

New York Urban Farms Sustainable Pest Management Fact Sheet Series

Cornell Cooperative Extension has partnered with dozens of urban farms across New York State to demonstrate and evaluate sustainable pest management strategies. Together with farmers, we found success using control methods that prevent or reduce crop losses through exclusion strategies, crop timing, host resistance, the introduction of beneficial organisms, and more. Regardless of management strategy used, common requirements for success include a knowledge of the pest and disease complex, preventative deployment and commitment to the process. The New York Urban Farms Sustainable Pest Management Fact Sheet Series includes case studies highlighting pest management techniques that New York urban farms have found valuable.