A male stands next to a tractor that is being driven through a field of short crops

Cornell Farmworker Program

Improving the living and working conditions of farmworkers and their families in New York State and beyond.

The Cornell Farmworker Program seeks recognition for farmworkers’ contributions to society and their acceptance and full participation in local communities.

We envision a state and nation in which farmworkers receive equal protection under law, earn a living wage, live in comfortable housing, are safe and healthy, receive due respect as workers and as individuals, and participate fully in their communities.

Our research, education, and outreach efforts are informed by ongoing needs assessments with farmworkers. Through interviews, focus group discussions, and surveys, farmworkers identify priority areas for collaboration. Together we develop materials and programs that address long-term as well as time-sensitive challenges. In addition to our active group of volunteers, we have a broad network of collaborators with expertise in immigration, labor, health,  education, emergency assistance among other relevant topics. The Cornell Farmworker Program publishes scholarly articles, research and policy briefs, conducts educational programs specifically designed for farmworkers, and actively contributes to print media and radio on farmworker-related topics. Our efforts in response to farmworker needs including current responses (webinars, Spanish language calls, materials support) that are related to concerns about COVID-19 among farmworkers. 

Contact us

Cornell Farmworker Program

275H Warren Hall

Cornell University

Ithaca, NY 14853

Tel: (607) 254-5194

Fax: (607) 255-9710

farmworkers@cornell.edu

Explore More in the Cornell Farmworker Program

Donate to improve the living and working conditions of farmworkers and their families.

What We Do

Immigration & Legal Support

Access to pro-bono and low bono immigration and family law attorney and support services include: know your rights workshops, immigration screenings, parental designation forms, standby guardianship, power of attorney, parent permission to travel and health care proxy.

Creating Positive Workplaces

Learn, understand and advocate for healthy, safe workplaces and living arrangements for farmworkers and their families

Learning English

Offer personalized English as a second language classes and tutoring sessions

Engaging with Farmworkers across New York

Play Cornell's farmworker research and collaboration initiatives

Highlights & News

Woman in field of flowers

Field Note

Maria DiGiovanni ’23: The future of food and work
In her time at Cornell, Maria DiGiovanni ’23 explored and confronted a multitude of challenges that impact our food system. From co-founding the Soil Factory to co-leading Cornell Hunger Relief, she’s put classroom lessons into practice. Her...
  • Department of Global Development
  • Global Development

News

Better digital tools could help immigrants access benefits

A Cornell research team identified barriers to immigrants’ use of online resources that could help them access health and legal benefits, and recommended solutions they incorporated into a new website, Rights for Health.

  • Department of Communication
  • Communication
Benjamin Houlton

News

CALS community members recognized for excellence and service
On Sept. 1, members of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) came together to celebrate the 18th year of the Research & Extension Awards and the 13th year of the Core Value Staff Awards . The ceremony recognized the notable and...
  • Cornell AgriTech
  • Cornell Botanic Gardens
  • Animal Science
Wooden fence.

News

Migrations grants fund worldwide interdisciplinary projects
Funded projects this cycle reflect the Migrations initiative’s interdisciplinary priorities of racism, dispossession and migration in the United States and international, multispecies migration.
  • Lab of Ornithology
  • Department of Global Development
  • Natural Resources and the Environment
Close up shot of a hand holding a mobile phone

News

Grant expands Cornell Farmworker Program efforts
As COVID-19 bore down on New York state, the Cornell Farmworker Program used mobile phone technology to provide rapid guidance and clear health information in multiple languages to the state’s farmworkers. Now, new federal funding will expand the program and further integrate the initiative with Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE).
  • Cornell Cooperative Extension
  • Department of Global Development
  • School of Integrative Plant Science

Connect With Us

Farmer collects apples
For Farmworkers and Trabajadores Agricolas

Learn more about the resources, information and services we offer to farmworkers throughout New York State. Aprende más sobre los recursos, información y servicios que ofrecemos a trabajadores agricolas en Nueva York.

Two women talking to each other in front of a poster
For educators, service providers and policy makers

Explore resources and expertise we have available for stakeholders who support the farmworker community.

Farmworker program volunteers sit as a group
For students and volunteers

Explore opportunities to get involved and support farmworkers through outreach activities, volunteer engagements and internships.