Technical and Financial Resources for Urban Farmers in NYS

January 27, 2021


Learn about technical and financial resources available for urban farmers in New York State. This webinar will introduce you to urban agriculture field staff from a variety of organizations that provide direct support for urban farmers and community gardeners. Urban farmers will also share their experience working with these field staff and ways to participate in the programs and services offered by each organization. This event is hosted by USDA NRCS.

AGENDA:
Blake Glover (USDA NRCS, State Conservationist) - Welcome and Opening Remarks

Richard Ball (New York State Commissioner of Agriculture) - Overview of Urban and Community Agriculture in New York State

Karen Washington (Garden of Happiness, Rise and Root Farm) - Learn how one urban farmer identified and utilized government resources for urban agriculture.

Joseph Heller (USDA NRCS, Urban Conservationist) and Onika Abraham (Farm School NYC) - Overview of USDA technical and financial resources for urban farmers. A unique example of how partnerships help foster stronger connections within New York City's agriculture community.

Kim Vallejo (NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets, New York City Team Director) - Resources for urban and community gardens from the State of New York.

Liz Camps (USDA NRCS, District Conservationist) - NRCS technical and financial assistance programs for urban farmers will be explained with examples from a current participant.

Lynnette Wright (USDA FSA) - Increase knowledge of financial assistance through the loan programs. Hear from participants about help they received through FSA.

Yolanda Gonzalez (Cornell Cooperative Extension, Harvest New York, Urban Agriculture Specialist) - CCE offers production, marketing, food safety training and more. Hear from past participants about how these trainings have had a positive impact on their urban and community agriculture operation.

Register for the event to receive a link to the zoom webinar. Additional information will be provided for break out rooms that will take place immediately after the event for one-on-one interactions with the urban agriculture specialists.

Persons with disabilities who require accommodations to attend or participate in this meeting should contact Lynnette Wright, Public Affairs Specialist, at 315-477-6309 or Federal Relay Service at 1-800-877-8339.

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.