Remote GAPs Training and Farm Food Safety Plan Writing Session

January 27 - January 28, 2021


Join Cornell Cooperative Extension of Broome County, the Cornell Vegetable Program, Harvest NY, the Lake Ontario Fruit Team, and the Eastern NY Commercial Horticulture Program on January 27th for a remote GAPs training. Instructors will walk growers through how to conduct a risk assessment on their farm utilizing the seven areas of farm food safety. Participants will gain hands-on experience in creating a traceability system for their farm, as well as learn about packing house design with food safety principles guiding placement of equipment and suggested materials. Students will also learn about how to train their employees related to food safety and understand what they will need to implement on their farm in order to pass a third-party food safety audit, such as GAPs.

On January 28th growers can join us for a day focused on writing their farm food safety plan. Trainers will be joined by NYS Department of Agriculture & Markets Farm Products inspectors to give guidance and input for farms in creating their farm food safety plans to meet the needs for a potential audit. At the conclusion of day two growers will have all components of their farm food safety plans outlined with the most critical pieces.

COST AND REGISTRATION
The price is $35 for a farm to attend both days, or $10 to join on the second day for the farm food safety plan writing session. Day two is only for those who have previously attended a Produce Safety Alliance Grower Training or GAPs training. The price for both days includes a "Farm Food Safety Decision Tree", worker training posters for use on the farm, and a flash drive pre-loaded to the farm food safety plan template, standard operating procedures, and log templates for use by the farm.

In order for a farm to participate, you must have the newer version of Microsoft Word loaded onto your computer, or be comfortable working within Google docs. We are utilizing Zoom for the training, you will need a high speed internet connection for smoothest participation experience. We also recommend a microphone to help in communication with both students and trainers. Registration is limited to 25 growers on either day so register by January 21 to ensure enough time to receive the workshop materials. Questions? Email Laura Biasillo

Register online through CCE Broome County

Maximizing Your Garden Space

May 9, 2026
12:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Port Jefferson Station, NY

Celebrate spring and get your garden growing with this hands-on workshop on maximizing your garden space! Join Cornell Urban Garden Specialist Karen Guzman as she shares practical strategies to maximize limited space. Participants will learn about the current state-wide soil testing program and crop planning techniques designed to increase yields and extend the growing season.

Webinar: Impact of Microclimates on NYC Urban Ag

May 13, 2026
12:00 noon - 1:00 PM

Hear from Dan Olmstead of Cornell IPM on how NYC's microclimates differ from Borough to Borough and their impact on resilience planning. We will also be discussing the data collected from weather stations across urban gardens in the city.

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).

Community Garden Leadership Program - Application Open Now!

The Cornell Community Garden Leadership Program is a year-long online program that prepares individuals to enhance their leadership skills to strengthen community gardens throughout New York State. The program equips community gardeners with management best practices and operational skills to improve garden sustainability. The program also connects gardeners to regional resources, professional development opportunities, and a statewide community garden leadership network.

Register for a virtual information session to learn more about the program and discover if this program is the right fit for you. Each information session is typically 45min-1hr.

Session Dates: 

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.