Science-Driven Solutions for the Hemp Industry

Cornell AgriTech is advancing New York’s hemp industry through science-based innovation and strategic collaboration. Our interdisciplinary hemp research team is focused on breeding resilient cultivars, optimizing agronomic practices, and supporting sustainable production systems tailored to New York’s climate and soils. Research spans fiber, grain, and cannabinoid hemp, with active trials evaluating disease resistance, pest management, and post-harvest quality. Through field days, webinars, and extension publications, we empower growers with the tools and knowledge needed to thrive in this emerging sector.

New York’s hemp industry is steadily growing. New York has over 140 licensed hemp growers and a regulatory framework that supports both industrial and cannabinoid hemp cultivation. Cornell AgriTech’s research is instrumental in addressing infrastructure gaps and market volatility, especially for small farms navigating compliance and economic challenges. With strategic investment and continued research, New York is poised to expand its footprint in the national hemp economy, leveraging Cornell’s leadership to ensure quality, sustainability, and innovation.

 

Our hemp cultivation experts

Lawrence Smart
Larry Smart

Professor

School of Integrative Plant Science

Horticulture Section

Plant Breeding and Genetics Section

Larry Smart
Breeding and genomics
Industrial hemp
Willow bioenergy crops
Chris Smart
Christine Smart

Goichman Family Director

Cornell AgriTech

Professor

School of Integrative Plant Science

Plant Pathology and Plant-Microbe Biology Section

Christine Smart
Biology and management of vegetable diseases
Host-pathogen interactions
Alan Taylor
Alan Taylor

Professor

School of Integrative Plant Science

Horticulture Section

Cornell AgriTech

Alan Taylor
Seed science and technology
Seed quality
Coatings, treatments and biostimulants

Our hemp food products processing experts

Portrait of Olga Padilla-Zakour
Olga Padilla-Zakour

Seneca Foods Foundation Professor and Director of the Food Venture Center

Cornell AgriTech

Director of the Institute for Food Safety at Cornell University

Cornell AgriTech

Professor

Food Science

Olga Padilla-Zakour
Man in front of metal pipes smiles.
Bruno Xavier

Associate Director of the Cornell Food Venture Center

Cornell AgriTech

Senior Extension Associate

Food Science

Bruno Xavier