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

Webinar: Biochar Applications on Urban Farms

June 10, 2026
12:00 noon - 1:00 PM

Hear from Deborah Aller, Cornell, about biochar applications on urban farms and its ability to act as a tool for soil health and climate mitigation. We will also be discussing the mission behind New York Center for Organics Recycling and Education (NYCORE).

Urban Agroforestry Summit

July 17, 2026
9:30 AM - 3:30 PM
New York, NY

Learn and network with urban agroforestry practitioners, service providers and city government partners on ways to scale agroforestry in NYC

Join the Cornell Small Farms Program and Harvest New York for the first annual NYC Urban Agroforestry Summit. Begin the day by learning from invited speakers who will explore the evolution, current landscape, and future potential of agroforestry within New York City's food systems and urban forestry initiatives.

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.