We grow New York

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

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

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

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.

The invasive weed Palmer amaranth clogs rows of soybean plants in New York state.

News

Destructive weed, found in NYS, resists common herbicides

A new study sheds light on Palmer amaranth's resistance to herbicides and points to alternative ways growers can combat the invasive weed.

  • Cornell AgriTech
  • Cornell Cooperative Extension
  • Horticulture Section
Ann Fraser, a consultant on the grant and retired biology professor from Kalamazoo College, hand pollinates an apple flower in Uttarkhand region, India. Photo by Kiran Cunningham.

News

The project will compare smallholder apple farms in the Western Himalayas and in Central New York to study how people might act collectively to promote wild pollinator health.

  • Cornell AgriTech
  • Department of Entomology
  • Natural Resources and the Environment
Students with Spanish-speaking farmers in Orange County.

Field Note

Spanish-speaking farmers and farm employees play a vital role in New York state agriculture, yet the language barrier presents challenges for keeping up with the latest scientific findings. Cornell Ph.D. students have spent the past year working...
  • Cornell AgriTech
  • New York State Integrated Pest Management
  • School of Integrative Plant Science