Project Lead: Connor Youngerman, Erica Frenay

Extreme weather events are becoming more common, and have amplified the riskiness of farming. Strengthening farmers’ ability to continue feeding their communities even in the face of climate shocks requires a holistic approach to resiliency.
Our team provides training, research, technical assistance and information resources on current best practices to build climate resilience on small farms.
Our Resilience Strategies

Agroforestry: Best described as trees on farms on purpose, this wide range of practices integrates trees, forests, and agricultural production. Adding diversity to any ecological system, if done thoughtfully, increases the capacity of that ecosystem to yield abundance in the face of weather shocks. Learn more about forest farming, silvopasture, mushroom production, and woody plant propagation through our Agroforestry project, and other practices through the USDA National Agroforestry Center.

Futuro En Ag: The majority of the agricultural workforce in NYS hails from Latin American countries. The network- and capacity-building work we do with this audience builds resilience in its most holistic sense; from increasing social connection and business management skills to providing training and technical assistance on best practices for improving soil health. We’re also building a collection of resources in collaboration with producers, filling a need for educational materials related to agriculture in Spanish.

Reduced Tillage: We support small to mid-scale vegetable farmers, many using organic practices, in adopting reduced tillage practices on their farms. These practices can take many different forms. Our goal is to integrate reduced tillage with other soil-building practices, to foster the growth and viability of vegetable farming in New York and the Northeast. We work across different tools and practices, fit to the the scale and resources of the farm, and are learning from many innovative farmers leading the way.

Urban Ag: Urban farms can not only be commercially viable and economically self-sufficient small farm businesses, they also serve to build community cohesion, teach about food and farming, connect urban and rural producers, and generate fresh food for local eaters. Building a successful commercial urban farm requires careful consideration of unique issues created by farming in the urban environment.
Climate Resilience News and Updates
-
African rice farmers test traditions against NY climate
by
|
In 2013, Nfamara Badjie and his wife, Dawn Hoyte, bought a 6-acre farm in Ulster Park, New York, in the Hudson Valley. They soon realized the fields were muddy – almost wetlands – but Badjie didn’t mind. “I said, ‘That’s the one I’m looking for, the wetland is good for the rice,’” Badjie said, flashing an easy smile. “Dawn said, ‘No, you can’t…
-
Building a Climate Resilient Small Farm
by
|
How one farmer has adapted for climate change through soil health, infrastructure, and better decision making. The Halloween storm dropped over 2.5” of rain on our farm. The first half inch fell in about a half hour increment and put a memorable end to Trick or Treating for our two little ghosts. The next two inches fell in…


Subscribe for Updates and Opportunities
Sign up for the Cornell Small Farms Program E-Newsletter and check “Climate Resilience” when completing the form. You’ll be sure to get updates and event announcements.


