Urban Agriculture in New York State
Yolanda Gonzalez, Urban Agriculture Specialist
Harvest New York
The Urban Agriculture in New York State: A Study of New York's Urban Agriculture Landscape and Recommendations for Administrative and Legislative Action, 2022 report examines urban agriculture across New York to create a snapshot of the industry and to provide policy recommendations to maximize the benefits of urban agriculture. In partnership with the New York Department of Agriculture and Markets (NYSDAM), the Harvest NY Urban Ag team identified the major forms of urban agriculture currently practiced in urban centers across the state and the impacts that urban agricultural practices and markets have on access to locally grown food, job creation, education opportunities, and the environment.
To illustrate urban agriculture as it is practiced in New York, select case studies highlight the diversity of operations:
- Radix Ecological Sustainability Center in Albany, NY
- Massachusetts Avenue Project (MAP) in Buffalo, NY
- Oko Farms in New York, NY
- Aerial Springs Community Garden in Rochester, NY
- Brady Farm in Syracuse, NY
The study concludes with recommendations for legislative and administrative action from urban agriculture practitioners to further advance urban agriculture as it is practiced across the state.
Urban Agriculture in New York State (pdf; 5801KB)
Upcoming Events
Pruning & Fruit Tree Health 101 (Flushing, NY)
February 22, 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. NOTE: This event was postponed from January 25 to February 22 due to the weather.
Urban Ag Food Safety Webinar
March 11, 2026
12:00 pm - 1:30 pm
Urban and small-scale producers are encouraged to join us for the Urban Ag Food Safety webinar, featuring speakers from Cornell Cooperative Extension and Cornell IPM. We will explore the 'why' behind food safety, providing a basic overview and diving into specific urban ag considerations including water, pest, rodent, and soil health challenges. We will touch on the regulation and marketing landscape, and share resources for learning more. Bring your questions!Announcements
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.
2025 Year in Review
2025 was another year of growth and accomplishment for CCE Harvest NY! Our 2025 Year in Review highlights our impacts and details our work.- Farm to School Local Procurement by the Numbers
- Biochar in the NYC Urban Agriculture Landscape
- Harvest New York Supports Farmer-Led Research Advancing Upland Rice Production in New York State
- Community Garden Soil Testing Program Yields Great Results
- Regional Roots: Culinary Training to Enhance School Meals with Local Foods
- Rooted in Learning: Strengthening Farm to School Connections Across New York
- South Lawn Farm Expands Fresh Food Access and Urban Farming Opportunities
- NYS Summit Advances the Mushroom Industry
- Research to Manage Pests in Blueberries with Less Sprays
- Building a Research and Extension Hub at Brooklyn Botanic Garden
- A Successful Community Garden Leadership Program Pilot
- Farm to School Events Deliver Education, Culinary Training, and Business to Business Opportunities
- A Trusted Source of Science-Based Information for the Cannabis sativa Hemp Industry
- Sustainable Pest Management for New York Urban Farmers
- Cultivating Resilience: Harvest New York Drives the State's Climate Goals Through Research and Outreach
- Expanding Agritourism Outreach Across New York State
- Coordinating City Agencies, Academia, and Community Gardens to Improve Urban Soils
- USDA Urban Agriculture Training Development Complete