About Cornell AgriTech

Our vision: Lead science-based innovation in specialty crops and their value-added products, in order to champion sustainability and resiliency in a rapidly changing world.

Our mission: We transform scientific breakthroughs into practical solutions for growers, businesses and communities.

Our purpose: We improve the health of the people, environment and economy of New York state and beyond, through innovative food and agricultural science.

Cornell AgriTech serves an evolving agricultural sector that remains an economic engine for New York state, valued at over $36.7 billion a year. Originally established by an act of the New York State Legislature on June 26, 1880, “for the purpose of promoting agriculture in its various branches by scientific investigation and experiment”, Cornell AgriTech has grown to become the important hub for food and agriculture research and extension that it is today.

Our renowned scientists conduct ground-breaking, interdisciplinary research and discovery in our laboratories and 900 acres of fields, orchards and vineyards. The work of our faculty, staff and students covers the continuum of food and plant research from farm to fork, from plant pests to biofuels, and from food security to climate change. Whether it’s apples or broccoli or industrial hemp, we grow crops to test our ideas first-hand.

We grow new techniques and new technologies

Our scientists have developed over 280 new varieties of fruits and vegetables, pioneered insect attractants for pest control and invented ultraviolet pasteurization and the gene gun to improve crops. Horticultural research and production technologies developed here continue to fuel New York state’s booming wine and cider industries.

We grow knowledge

We educate the best up-and-coming minds in our fields so that they can lead the next wave of breakthroughs. We work alongside communities throughout the state, translating our research into information, training and education to support the farmers and entrepreneurs of today and tomorrow. We continue to grow and evolve, working together across disciplines to reimagine the future of food and agriculture systems.

We are Cornell AgriTech and we’re growing a healthier population, economy and environment for New York state and the world.