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)
Announcements
New Produce Auctions in NYS!
Two new produce auctions are now open in New York State, bringing the total number of auctions to 10! See the new map of produce auction locations across the state and contact information.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 provided by the CCE Harvest New York team. Learn more about the 2025 Community Gardens Soil Testing Program.