30% NY Documentation Requirement Guides and Recorded Webinars
Becky O'Connor, Farm to School Coordinator, WNY & Finger Lakes
Harvest New York
The 30% NY Documentation Requirement Guide provides general guidance designed to prepare School Food Authorities to be successful in their 30% NY initiative audits. The guide focuses on the documentation required to accurately and sufficiently demonstrate various types of products qualify as NY purchases per the NY State Department of Education's parameters.
While the NY State Department of Education was consulted in the development of the guide, School Food Authorities are ultimately responsible for ensuring their documentation is accurate and sufficient. We encourage you to work with a Farm to School Coordinator throughout this process.
In addition to downloading this file, you can also view the 30% NY Documentation Requirements for School Food Authorities recorded webinar and the the 30% NY Documentation Requirements for Food Producers, Manufacturers, Processors and Farmers recorded webinar. These webinars were developed as accompaniments to the guide, and provide a deep-dive into the documentation requirements for a variety of purchasing scenarios. They were specifically designed for their respective audiences.
30% NY Initiative Documentation Requirement Guide (pdf; 2046KB)
30% NY Initiative Documentation for School Food Authorities Webinar PDF (pdf; 3247KB)
30% NY Initiative Documentation for Producers and Processors Webinar PDF (pdf; 3816KB)
Upcoming Events
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).Announcements
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:
- April 9 at 10am
- April 14 at 12pm
- April 22 at 5:30pm
- May 7 at 12pm
- May 11 at 5:30pm
**Please note: the program application closes on June 15th and will be sent to all who register for an information session.
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.