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.

A grape vine budding.

News

Computer model helps grape growers adapt to shorter winters

A new Cornell-developed computer model that estimates the temperatures that cause freeze damage in a dozen grape cultivars can help growers plan for the season when damage does occur.

  • School of Integrative Plant Science
  • Horticulture Section
  • Environment
Newly planted Malus sieversii at Cornell AgriTech.

News

Fire blight costs the U.S. apple industry an estimated $100 million annually in crop losses. New research from Cornell AgriTech may help apple breeders develop resistant varieties and give growers a more sustainable solution in managing the...
  • Cornell AgriTech
  • School of Integrative Plant Science
  • Plant Pathology and Plant-Microbe Biology Section
Zach Stansell pulls out a tray of seeds

Field Note

Zachary Stansell, Ph.D. ’20, is a geneticist, horticulturalist and curator of the hemp crop collection of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Research Service at Cornell AgriTech . When he was a Ph.D. student at Cornell AgriTech...
  • Cornell AgriTech
  • School of Integrative Plant Science