The Harvest New York Specialists cover multiple regions within New York State. The Specialists work in close consultation with Cornell faculty members, local and regional Extension staff, and grower groups, bringing new information and resources to areas with growth potential.

Sam Anderson

Urban Agriculture Specialist

Areas of Interest: urban agriculture, IPM, soil management

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Kristy Apostolides

Farm to School Coordinator, Lower Hudson Valley

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Cheryl Bilinski

Local Food Systems Specialist, Farm to School Lead

Areas of Interest: farm to institution, supply chain development, farm-based beverages

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Amy Bly

Farm to School Coordinator, Long Island

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Lizzy Cooper

Farm to School Coordinator, Central NY

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Meghan Dohman

Farm to School Coordinator, North Country

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Makela Elvy

Urban Garden Leadership Curriculum Specialist

Areas of Interest: NYC community garden leadership, soil health, and composting

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Vicki Giarratano

Assistant Director for Food Systems

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Yolanda Gonzalez

Urban Agriculture Specialist

Areas of Interest: urban agriculture, marketing, mushroom production

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Karen Guzman

Urban Gardens Specialist

Areas of Interest: community gardens, IPM, native plants, sustainable growing methods

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Mallory Hohl

Urban Gardens Specialist

Areas of Interest: nutrition, farm to school initiatives, youth engagement, local food systems, WNY urban gardens

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Kwesi Joseph

Urban Gardens Specialist

Areas of Interest: project management, garden design, rock dust, biochar, soil health and plant nutrient density

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Kyle Karnuta

Urban Ag Curriculum Development Specialist

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Lori Koenick

Extension Support Specialist

Areas of Interest: mushrooms, urban agriculture, fresh market vegetables

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Bridget O'Brien Wood

Buffalo Farm Shares Coordinator

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Becky O'Connor

Farm to School Coordinator, WNY & Finger Lakes

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Kitty O'Neil

Ag Climate Resiliency Specialist

Areas of Interest: soil health

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Lindsey Pashow

Ag Business Development & Marketing Specialist

Areas of Interest: agritourism, marketing, craft beverage industry, produce auctions

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Sara Jean (SJ) Peterson

Farm to School Coordinator, New York City

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Kate Preston

Farm to School Education Specialist

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Judson Reid

Extension Vegetable Specialist, Team Leader

Areas of Interest: greenhouse production, small farming operations, produce auctions

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Katie Sheehan-Lopez

Farm to School Coordinator, Upper Hudson Valley

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Savanna Shelnutt

Ag Climate Resiliency Specialist

Areas of Interest: integrated grazing systems and soil carbon sequestration

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Anya Stansell

WNY Small Fruit Specialist

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Daniela Vergara

Emerging Crops Specialist

Areas of Interest: hemp, hops, new crops to NYS

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Whole Farm Climate Adaptation and Mitigation Planning (CAMP) Series

January 13 - February 12, 2026
Jan 13, Jan 29: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM; Feb 12: 1:00 - 4:00 PM
Kingston, NY

Join CCE Ulster and CCE Harvest New York for a three-part workshop series focused on building climate resilience on your farm. We will cover climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies, learn how to access relevant historical climate data, and begin a climate adaptation plan for your farm!

January 13 (Tues): 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
January 29 (Thurs): 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
February 12 (Thurs): 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Pruning & Fruit Tree Health 101 (Flushing, NY)

January 25, 2026
11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Flushing, NY

Join us at Ridgewood Community Garden for a free, hands-on workshop with CCE Harvest NY Urban Garden Specialist Karen Guzman. Participants will learn about basic tree maintenance and pruning techniques. Proper winter care helps trees conserve energy, prevent damage from cold weather, and prepare for growth in the spring.