We grow New York

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.

photo of campus early 1900s
The History of Cornell AgriTech

From our founding in the 19th century, we have been a hub of groundbreaking work and growth for New York. Learn about our roots.

Man examining leaf
Expertise That Improves Lives and Industries

Our faculty perform interdisciplinary research to help grow food and agricultural industries. Learn about their expertise and the essential work they do for growers, business owners and stakeholders alike.

Researching plants
Departments That Defy Disciplinary Boundaries

We have some of the top-ranked programs in the country, and the work done in these programs affects people around the globe. Learn about how they develop innovative solutions to address the challenges of 21st-century agriculture.

Making a positive impact

Recent insights, breakthroughs, news and other Cornell AgriTech stories.

Dominique Holtappels headshot

Spotlight

Meet our faculty: Dominique Holtappels
Academic focus: Ecology and evolution of plant pathogens in controlled environment agriculture (CEA) Research summary: I study how biotic drivers such as the plant virome are shaping the ecology and evolution of plant pathogens. My lab aims to...
  • Cornell AgriTech
  • School of Integrative Plant Science
  • Plant Pathology and Plant-Microbe Biology Section
Samantha Willden Headshot

Spotlight

Academic focus: Controlled environment insect ecology Research summary: My research explores how abiotic and biotic factors drive invertebrate communities in controlled environment agriculture (CEA). CEA is a dynamic and rapidly evolving field...
  • Cornell AgriTech
  • Agriculture
  • Entomology
Nora Catlin in a greenhouse.

News

The Long Island Horticultural Research and Extension Center (LIHREC), part of Cornell University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS), is pleased to announce the appointment of Nora J. Catlin as director, effective April 21...
  • Cornell AgriTech
  • Cornell University Agricultural Experiment Station