The dairy foods industry in New York continues to experience tremendous expansion and growth in the areas of production of yogurt and related products, artisan cheese production, as well as production of dairy powders, which have considerable opportunities for export. The growth in dairy foods processing capacity represents an opportunity for expanded farm-level production. This growth will take place both in the form of increased cow numbers and increased production per cow where appropriate, with emphasis on economically and environmentally sustainable growth strategies to ensure long-term continued supply of milk to meet the processing demands.

The Farm Strategic Planning Specialist on the Harvest NY team provides producers assistance with farmstead development, facility layout, and environmental planning to optimize production on dairy, crop and livestock farms.

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CRAFT Urban Farmer Meet up

June 23, 2026
5:30 PM - 8:00 PM
Long Island City, NY

Kick off the growing season with a networking event where growers can have conversations about plans for this year and discuss opportunities for collaboration. Members from the Harvest NY team will talk about the Urban Ag Labor Study. Food and seedlings will be provided. 

Urban Farming from the Ground Up

July 2, 2026
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Bronx, NY

Join CCE Harvest NY Specialist, Karen Guzman, to turn a community center into an urban farm! This is an open volunteer event, join us! 

Urban Agroforestry Summit

July 14, 2026
9:30 AM - 3:30 PM
New York, NY

Learn and network with urban agroforestry practitioners, service providers and city government partners on ways to scale agroforestry in NYC

Join the Cornell Small Farms Program and Harvest New York for the first annual NYC Urban Agroforestry Summit. Begin the day by learning from invited speakers who will explore the evolution, current landscape, and future potential of agroforestry within New York City's food systems and urban forestry initiatives.

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.