Introduction: How to Use This Guide

Guide to Urban Farming in New York State

This guide consists of a series of individual fact sheets addressing topics relevant to planning and operating an urban farm business. As there are many logistics and details to be addressed when starting and running an urban farming operation, this guide aims to make this process as accessible by compiling relevant information from across sources into one location. Each section will break down basic information concerning each topic and will provide resources for further study, support, and guidance. Much of the information is focused on New York State, though many of the concepts apply to farmers nationwide. The fact sheets are kept brief and to the point, as this guide does not provide specific technical assistance, but further information can be found by following the resources provided in each section. 

These sheets provide only general urban farming information, for more details on growing methods or systems, and the many intersectionalities of agricultural work, visit our projects page.

If you are looking for general farming resources for either rural or urban locations, visit our General Guide to Farming in NY which has more information on topics that may not be pertinent in urban areas, such as information and resources about agricultural district law provisions, zoning policies, or deer fencing.

This guide is meant to be a resource for both beginning and established urban farmers, therefore each topic may not be relevant to every farmer.  The fact sheets are ordered into six categories according to their application and relevance for ease of navigation. 

Clarifying Roles

If you are a farmer in New York State looking for support or guidance, there are many agencies and organizations to meet your needs. However, navigating the functions of these different entities and discerning who to go to can be difficult especially as many of them use the same language to describe their functions. The information below aims to clarify the distinctions between organizations and the respective roles of Cornell Cooperative Extension, the Cornell Small Farms Program, and the Department of Agriculture and Markets. For a more extensive list of support networks and organizations, refer to the ‘Agricultural Agencies and Organizations’ fact sheet.

United States Department of Agriculture

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is the primary federal agency that works to support the American agricultural economy. Through a variety of programs and policies, the USDA works to support food safety and quality, social welfare programs like food stamps, rural development, sustainable agricultural systems, natural resources, and agricultural exports. The USDA has offices in each state; in New York the main office is located in Syracuse but there are ten satellite offices across the state. Many programs and policies are funded or directed by the USDA at the federal level, but administered or managed at the state level. Because of this, you might interact most heavily with state and local governments and groups. There are certain grants and loans that the USDA administers at the federal level, however. This includes the Beginning Farmers and Ranchers program, Specialty Crop Block Grants, the Farmers Market Promotion Program, and the Organic Cost Share Program.

New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets

The NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets is a state government agency that regulates agricultural business and commerce. They oversee the implementation and upholding of state rules and regulations impacting product sales, food handling and safety, agricultural district programs, sustainability and conservation initiatives, and offer grant programs to increase farm viability.  Examples of these grant programs include the Community Growers Grant Program and the new Garden Leadership Training Program.

If you are interested in general support, want more information about the agricultural programs run by New York State, or are curious about the implementation of agricultural rules and regulations statewide, NYSAM is a good resource. However, it is important to note Ag and Markets does not offer support for specific struggles and questions or individualized guidance, instead focusing on state-wide agricultural issues and developments. 

Cornell Cooperative Extension

Part of Cornell’s mission, as a land grant university, is to spread the knowledge, research, and expertise being generated at the university level throughout New York State. This occurs through Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE), an educational network established to address public needs and offer public education and support systems in areas of community development, agriculture, nutrition and health, environment, family and youth, financial management, and gardening. There are local cooperative extension offices in each of the New York State counties, each of these offices is a separate entity from Cornell University and is wholly dedicated to meeting the needs of their respective communities. As such, not every office offers the same resources, and programs may vary between localities.

If you are looking for individual support, technical assistance, or have questions about agriculture in your area your local CCE office can likely provide you with the information and help you need. If your local office does not address a topic you are working with, exploring the available resources in surrounding counties may be helpful as well. CCE has compiled a directory of every location throughout New York State to aid in locating an office near you. In New York City, there are services available through CCE, as well as through the Urban Agriculture Team at Harvest NY. The Urban Agriculture Program provides support specifically within the five boroughs.

Cornell Small Farms Program

The Small Farms Program (SFP) functions through Cornell’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) and works in close collaboration with many farmer support initiatives including Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) and other partners throughout the state. The program is dedicated to fostering the sustainability of diverse, thriving small farms, offering information and support through a variety of courses, trainings, specialized projects, and libraries of resources to help small farms succeed. SFP does not offer technical assistance but rather focuses on connecting small farms with resources, expert assistance, and education initiatives. If you would like to begin farming, expand your farm business, explore alternative growing practices, connect with a diverse and supportive small farm community, or learn more about what support systems are available for your farm, the Small Farms Program is an excellent resource.  

Other Service Providers

There are many other service providers that operate across the state that may be helpful to you. This may include NY FarmNet or the American Farmland Trust. For more information, please visit the ‘Agricultural Agencies and Organizations’ fact sheet.

Information for Getting Started

There are numerous resources to help you learn how to grow or market-specific products. These are a few that have been verified for content. Reading and research are great, but if you want to start a farm, the best way is to learn from farmers who are already doing it!

Sign up to receive the monthly Small Farms Update, which contains links to several event calendars, as well as resources useful to farmers: Cornell Small Farms Program Update Sign- Up
http://smallfarms.cornell.edu/contact/e-news-sign-up/