We support farmers at all phases of small farm business development.

Explore this website to learn about our projects, courses and resources that help small farms succeed.

We envision a future filled with vibrant rural and urban small farms.

Small farms can help build human capacity, revitalize communities, supply regional food systems, and foster ecological resilience in a changing world. Since 2001, the Cornell Small Farms Program has fostered programs that support and encourage the sustainability of diverse, thriving small farms.

We commit to ensuring, to the greatest extent possible, that our time, energy, and financial resources are committed equitably to all people. We will continue to be actively engaged and involved in relationship building, collaboration, and support of efforts to build diverse, equitable and just food systems. Read more about this commitment in our Equity and Justice Statement.

Testimonial on Small Farm Learning Opportunities

"It was validating to hear from experienced farmers that farming is so much of an art
form. That gives me more confidence to dive in and find the balance between technical
research and getting on the learning curve." 

Read more about our courses.

Investing in your small farm's success.

The Cornell Small Farms Program is housed the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) at Cornell University. By working collaboratively with a network of CALS faculty and staff, Cornell Cooperative Extension educators, and other small farm advocates throughout New York, we have generated innovative research and extension initiatives that enhance small farm viability. Our current projects engage farmers at the front-end of challenges they face and also introduce them to new and emerging opportunities.


Read more about our projects.

Small Farm Resources

We have produced a collection of in-depth resources on farming to help farmers, educators and others learn more deeply about various aspects of the business of farming.

Learn more about our resources.