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
Air-Pruned Raised Bed Workshop
April 25, 2026
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Bronx, NY
Join Connor Youngerman of Cornell Small Farms and the team at Riverdale Country School for a hands-on, train-the-trainer workshop introducing Air-Pruned Raised Beds (APRBs) from construction to implementation. Designed to equip forestry practitioners, educators, and community leaders with the skills to replicate this model. This session will cover APRB design, recommended urban tree species, installation techniques, and basic troubleshooting. Participants will not only learn the fundamentals of APRBs as a tool for growing a diverse range of urban tree species, but will also gain the knowledge and confidence to teach others how to build and manage them.NOTE: Registration is required for this workshop. Attendance will be capped at 25 people.
Biochar Workshop @ New Root Community Farm
April 25, 2026
12:00 noon
Join us for a hands-on biochar workshop at New Roots Community Farm on Saturday, April 25 at 12 noon. Participants will learn how to convert garden biomass into biochar and how to apply it to improve soil. This workshop is part of a four-part train the trainer effort where gardeners learn how to make and use biochar on their own. Air-Pruned Raised Bed Workshop Series
May 2, 2026
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Long Island City, NY
Join Connor Youngerman of Cornell Small Farms and the team at Smiling Hogshead Ranch for a hands-on, train-the-trainer workshop introducing Air Pruned Raised Beds (APRBs) from construction to implementation. Designed to equip forestry practitioners, educators, and community leaders with the skills to replicate this model. This session will cover APRB design, recommended urban tree species, installation techniques, and basic troubleshooting. Participants will not only learn the fundamentals of APRBs as a tool for growing a diverse range of urban tree species but will also gain the knowledge and confidence to teach others how to build and manage them.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.