Long Island Horticultural Research and Extension Center (LIHREC)

Two researchers looking at plants in a greenhouse

About LIHREC

The 68-acre facility is dedicated to serve the research and extension needs of the horticulture industries of Long Island. The facility features agricultural fields and research plots, state-of-the-art greenhouses, a nursery and container production area, and a plant tissue culture facility in support of research projects ranging from grape and vegetable production, to ornamentals and floriculture.

LIHREC is located close to the tip of Long Island, in the heart of Suffolk County. Unique growing conditions on Long Island provide exceptional opportunities for this region. The climate is ideal for farming — it is the only area in New York State with USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 7. Strong underground aquifers provide plenty of fresh water.

But the reputation of Suffolk County's agriculture is literally rooted in its characteristic white, sandy soils.

Sandy, white soils

Suffolk County's exceptional soils are the result of thousands of years of glacial deposition. They have excellent drainage, moderate water-holding capacity, and modest fertility. These glacial soils are among the finest in the world and provide unique opportunities for farmers and growers.

Yellow squash blossoms grow amongst a field of squash plants.

LIHREC is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year

Established in 1922, this pioneering research facility continues to serve the diverse agricultural community on Long Island. In this video, Director Mark Bridgen and Cornell scientists explain how research there supports fruit and vegetable growers and the floriculture and nursery industry with the latest production information, such as ecologically sound pest and disease management, and sustainable growing practices.

LIHREC's history

Play

LIHREC in the News

Turning food scraps into fertilizer (RiverheadLOCAL)
Long Island Nursery & Landscape Association honors LIHREC with "Professionals of the Year" award (pdf)
'One-stop shop' marks century of ag research, extension on Long Island
For 100 years, agricultural research center in Riverhead has served as critical resource to region (Riverhead News-Review)
Research and extension center in Baiting Hollow has been helping L.I. growers for 100 years (RiverheadLOCAL)
Improve your pesticide controls with the help of IRAC/FRAC groups (Nursery Management)
An inside look at the Long Island Horticultural Research and Extension Center’s plant breeding programs (CALS Spotlight)

Stay connected

Resources for Cornell Researchers

Find detailed information for each Cornell AES research farm. Cornell login is required.

Resources for Cornell Researchers

Fruit, vegetables, flowers, trees, specialty crops

Contact

Address

Long Island Horticultural Research & Extension Center (LIHREC)
3059 Sound Ave.
Riverhead, NY 11901

P: 631-727-3595
F: 631-727-3611

View map for directions

Three people, flowers and a sign for the Cornell Univeristy Long Island Horticultural Research and Extension Center