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

From Vacant Spaces to Vibrant Places

By Sarah Diana Nechamen | January 12, 2015

By Sean Cummings The Binghamton Urban Farm is a small market garden located on the east side of Binghamton’s downtown, managed by Volunteers Improving Neighborhood Environments (VINES) a small not-for-profit in…

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Profit per Square Foot: Tackling Challenges Unique to Urban Farming

By Patricia Brhel | April 7, 2014

Many people dream of the simple life – growing their own food, maybe even making a living as a farmer – but bills need to be paid and it’s a…

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Recirculating Farms: Growing healthy, fresh food and a new local food culture

By Molly Davis | April 2, 2012

Facing an average nightly low of 21 degrees, most Boston-area farmers throw their hands up in January and take a break. But with recirculating farms — which can grow plants…

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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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