Urban Ag

Project Lead: Anu Rangarajan

In the shadow of New York City’s Hell Gate Bridge, Cornell Cooperative Extension urban agriculture specialists Yolanda Gonzalez, left, and Sam Anderson, center scout for harlequin bugs and consult with farmers at Randall's Island Urban Farm in New York City.
R.J. Anderson / Cornell Cooperative Extension

Are you an existing or aspiring urban farmer?  

Urban farms can not only be commercially viable and economically self-sufficient small  farm businesses, they also offer a multitude of quality of life benefits for community residents. These farms serve to build community cohesion, teach about food and farming, connect urban and rural producers, and generate fresh produce (and sometimes meat) for local eaters. 

Building a successful commercial urban farm requires careful consideration of unique issues created by farming in the urban environment.

Learn about success stories as well as resources to build your urban farm.

News and Updates

Mushrooms Are Fruiting in Philadelphia

By Tara Hammonds | January 10, 2017

One mushroom growing operation proves farming in the city is possible and profitable. by Molly R. Bucknum Most urban farmers have a tough time finding space to grow food. Location,…

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Growing Edible Forests as a Community

By Tara Hammonds | January 11, 2016

Communities across the United States are establishing food forests, also known as forest gardens, to ecologically grow perennial and annual foods, herbs and medicinals for free public harvesting. by Catherine…

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Small Farm in the Big City

By Carli Fraccarolli | July 6, 2015

Closing the bad-food gap in urban communities. by Regina A. Bernard-Carreno My grandfather was an “urban farmer,” in the city of Georgetown, Guyana. He farmed to eat, to feed others,…

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About Urban Ag

More details about this emerging new project is coming soon...

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Anu was appointed director the Cornell Small Farms Program in 2004. At the same time, she opened a U-pick strawberry farm in Freeville, NY. The experience of operating a small farm changed her entire approach to research and extension, and deepened her commitment to NY farms and local food systems.

Read Articles by Anu Rangarajan

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