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
Rochester Soil Health Day
September 1, 2026
4:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Rochester, NY
Join Cornell Cooperative Extension Harvest NY, New York State Soil Health, and Foodlink for interactive activities focused on soil health and an opportunity to get your garden soil screened for lead (reservation required).IPM Field Day for Urban Growers
September 10, 2026
3:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Buffalo, NY
Join us for a hands-on field day exploring integrated pest management and season extension tools for urban growing spaces and the opportunity to build community with local growers!This event will focus on best practices for using row covers and rat mitigation. Check out our CCE demonstration trial using insect exclusion netting to manage swede midge, an invasive fly that causes damage to brassica crops. Explore how to identify rat activity, reduce attractants, and strengthen site management. Hear from local growers on how they manage pests with a focus on organic management and how they extend the season on their farms and gardens.
Resilient Gardens Conference
September 18 - September 19, 2026
Fri: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm; Sat: 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Poughkeepsie, NY
The third Resilient Gardens Conference will focus on culturally relevant gardening skills and community garden management for the unique resource needs of urban gardeners. This two-day event will feature education and practical skills on day one; we'll hear from leaders of diverse stakeholder groups on strategies to overcome these issues in cities and rural communities and connecting resources between Cornell Cooperative Extension and leading community gardens. The second day is optional and will include tours of local gardening projects across Poughkeepsie and Kingston NY. This event is primarily open to Seed to Supper Garden Educators, CCE Educators, Master Gardener Volunteers and Upstate Seed to Supper Program Participants, as well as partner Community Gardens involved with Harvest NY.