Event Details

Date

March 21, 2026

Time

9:00 am - 4:00 pm

Location

East High School
1801 East Main Street
Rochester, NY 14609

Host

Rochester UAWG, Harvest NY, Cornell Veg Program

Mallory Hohl
716-880-0275


2026 Rochester Urban Agriculture Conference

March 21, 2026


This year's Conference will be held at East HS on Saturday, March 21 from 9a-4p! This is a day of learning and connections featuring interactive workshops, community knowledge sharing, Fruition's Gift of Seed Experience, gardening tables and displays, and more!


REGISTRATION

Given the overwhelming popularity of last year's Conference, we are requiring registration in order to be as prepared for the day as possible. During registration, please make sure to select what workshops you are interested in attending so we can place them in appropriately sized rooms. Full workshop descriptions are in the agenda on the registration page. We are offering a pay-what-you-can model for tickets to support the costs of this amazing event ($0 - $10). Thank you so much for your support!

Register today!


AGENDA

  • 9:00 AM - Doors open, sign-in, visit tables
  • 9:30 AM - Welcome, intros, housekeeping
  • 10:00 AM - Workshop Block #1
  • 11:10 AM - Workshop Block #2
  • 12:10 PM - Lunch
  • 1:10 PM - Workshop Block #3
  • 2:30 PM - Fruition's Gift of Seed Experience
  • 4:00 PM - Conference Conclusion
This conference is brought to you by the Rochester Urban Agriculture Working Group, with support from Rochester Food Policy Council, Cornell Cooperative Extension, Monroe County Soil & Water Conservation District, Taproot Collective, and Wegmans.


QUESTIONS?

Please reach out to Mallory Hohl mdh286@cornell.edu or Lori Koenick lbk75@cornell.edu





view calendar of events

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