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

Creating Farms on Concrete, Rubble, and Roofs

By Daisy Bow | April 2, 2011

The Story of New York City’s Newest Farmers When anyone thinks about New York City, fixtures like concrete sidewalks, skyscrapers, large office buildings, heavy traffic, storefronts, and subway stations come…

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Urban Farmer Backlash: Too Much of a Good Thing?

By Derek Denckla | January 9, 2011

Recently, urban agriculture seems to have achieved a milestone– being lampooned. The blog Daily Candy featured “DIY Halloween Costumes” in which suggestion No. 4 was “Urban Farmer,” recommending a three…

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Aeroponics: a piece of the urban farming jigsaw puzzle?

By Aaron Munzer | October 3, 2010

Ed Harwood is willing to concede that many folks think of urban farming as raised beds on vacant lots. But he also thinks there’s another way to grow vegetables in…

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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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