Guide to Urban Farming in New York State
January 3, 2018

Are you interested in or currently farming in a city? Do you wonder how to access land, how to reclaim a contaminated site, how to maximize use of a small growing space, or how to most successfully target your urban market?
The Guide to URBAN Farming in NYS, produced by the Cornell Small Farms Program, answers these and many other common questions about farming in urban environments, and can help you launch, continue, or expand your urban farm business.
The 105-page resource guide contains factsheets on a myriad of topics, including tips for advocating for urban agriculture, engaging communities, dealing with contaminated soils, intensive growing techniques, urban composting, site security, urban livestock, direct marking options, accepting food stamps, grant and financial opportunities, and many more! Also included is an appendix listing services and resources available from several urban farming organizations throughout New York State
Whether you're looking to grow food on your roof top, keep chickens in your backyard, learn more about hydroponics or start an urban CSA, the Guide to URBAN Farming in NYS will provide or direct you to the information you need to know.
Upcoming Events
2025 Agroforestry Field Day Series -- Tour of Agroforestry and Silvopasture Systems
September 4, 2025
4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Goshen, NY
Interested in incorporating agroforestry practices into your farm? Join us for a series of workshops co-hosted by CCE Ulster, Orange, and Harvest NY with Mastwood Farms, Black Creek Farm and Nursery and Scenic Hudson. On this evening, join project director Alix Daguin and other staff at All One One All Farm in Goshen, NY for a two hour walk-and-talk tour to learn about the agroforestry systems they have planted at their regenerative farm which integrates livestock and tree crops. Successes, challenges, as well as systems of implementation and management will be covered.
2025 Cornell High-Cannabinoid Hemp Cannabis sativa Field Day

September 10, 2025
8:30 am - 6:00 pm
Geneva, NY
Join us for a full day of learning and discussion, connecting and having fun! The Cornell Cannabis sativa L. (Hemp) Field Day features interactive workshops, demonstrations, and panel discussions on the latest industry advancements for New York growers and other stakeholders. Topics include:- controlled environment agriculture
- soil health and composting
- disease management and tissue culture
- genetics of color and minor cannabinoids
- post-harvest, drying, and curing
- NYS Office of Cannabis Management updates and fireside chat
Cultivating Climate Resilience of Urban Agriculture in New York City
September 24, 2025
1:30 PM - 3:00 PM
New York, NY
A Panel Presentation and Hands-on Soil Health Demo!Join the New York Climate Exchange and Cornell Cooperative Extension's Ag Climate Resiliency Program, New York Soil Health, and Harvest NY for a Soil Health Field Day in Governor's Island. This event focuses on best practices for building climate resilience on urban farms and is part of the 2025 Soil Health and Climate Resilience Field Days. It will offer a farm tour, as well as valuable insights and hands-on demonstrations to enhance soil health through biochar applications.
Whether you're a seasoned farmer or just getting started, this event is perfect for anyone who wants to learn the basics of climate resilience, adaptation planning, and soil health-- hearing directly from urban farmers in New York City.