Beyond the Forest: Seeing the Farm for the Trees

Thurs Jan 15, 2026, 9:30-4pm
Cornell University campus

Hosted by the Cornell Small Farms Program and the Silvopasture and Agroforestry Program Work Teams

Agroforestry practices integrate trees in farm production, and if done well, can create numerous benefits to the climate, biodiversity, soil health, and a farmer’s bottom line. The five recognized agroforestry practices have ancient and global roots, and are just starting to be scaled and appreciated in our region, despite a lack of data to guide best practices. Agroforestry entrepreneurship in the Northeast is growing quickly, as is the demand for research and technical support.

While agroforestry serves as an umbrella for several different practices, all require multidisciplinary knowledge plus curiosity and experimentation. We hope you’ll join us at this event to learn about new developments and challenges, explore potential collaborations, and brainstorm a research agenda to advance innovation in these practices.

At the summit you can expect to hear from trailblazing producers about their successes and challenges in scaling up and about Cornell’s history of agroforestry engagement. You’ll also hear from Mike Gold, a long-time faculty member at the University of Missouri’s Center for Agroforestry, about the research and extension they’ve been doing for nearly 3 decades and its positive impacts on rural resilience in Missouri.

The afternoon will include time for producers, faculty, and service providers to discuss research, education and networking strategies for meeting the challenges and opportunities to scale agroforestry in the Northeast.

RSVP by Mon Dec 15!