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Discover CALS

See how our current work and research is bringing new thinking and new solutions to some of today's biggest challenges.

Through statewide partnerships and community‑focused extension, these programs help farmers, land stewards, educators and local leaders solve urgent challenges and build long‑term resilience. 

Their work spans soil and water health, sustainable livestock and dairy production, pollinator protection, forest and maple management, workforce development, agricultural education and more. Together, these programs bring CALS science to life in ways that strengthen New York’s environment, economy and communities.

School of Integrative Plant Sciences

Cornell Small Farms Program

Supports small farm viability across New York through applied research, training and extension. Established in 2001, the program works with CALS faculty, Cornell Cooperative Extension and statewide partners to strengthen small farm success.

New York Center for Organics Recycling and Education (NY-CORE)

Advances organics recycling in New York agriculture by providing training, technical assistance and educational resources. Builds on the work of the Cornell Waste Management Institute.

New York Soil Health and Resiliency Program

Improves soil health statewide through research, education and assessment tools. Partners with organizations across New York to support farmers and climate resilience. Established in 2017 alongside the state’s Climate Resilient Farming Grant Program.

Cornell Agricultural Workforce Development

Helps farmers and agribusinesses build effective teams through education on employment law, leadership, management and workforce development. Strengthens human resource practices across New York agriculture.

Agricultural Education and Outreach

(FFA and New York Agriculture in the Classroom) - Develops future agricultural leaders and educators through partnerships with Cornell and state agencies. Supports pre-K through 12th grade teachers, expands agricultural literacy and provides professional development, classroom resources and experiential learning.

The Ashley School of Global Development and the Environment

New York Maple Research and Extension Program

Supports New York’s maple industry through research, education and technology transfer. Focus areas include sustainable production, product innovation, quality and business development. Operates research forests and collaborates with producers and agencies statewide.

New York State Hemlock Initiative

Researches integrated pest management and biological control for hemlock woolly adelgid. Works with scientists, land managers and communities to protect New York’s hemlock forests.

ForestConnect

Provides research-based education for woodland owners, foresters and partners on sustainable forest management, regeneration, maple production, invasive species, agroforestry and forest resilience. The Master Forest Owner program offers peer-to-peer support for woodland stewardship.

CALS Departments

Entomology

Apiary Research and Extension from the Dyce Lab for Honey Bee Studies

Promotes sustainable beekeeping through applied research, education and beekeeper support. Studies honey bee and bumble bee health, including pesticide and pathogen impacts. Offers workshops and public extension programs.

A beekeeper demonstrates removing frames from a beehive.
sheep stand in a flock looking into camera

Animal Science

Strengthening New York’s dairy industry and supporting beef, sheep and goat producers through applied research, education, and industry partnerships. 

Faculty member holds water samples with a gloved hand.

Biological and Environmental Engineering

Improving water management across New York by fostering collaboration among researchers, managers, policymakers and the public and providing training, technical assistance and information to municipal agencies responsible for local road and bridge maintenance and construction.

Barn near a farm road surrounded by trees and soil

Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management

Offers free, confidential financial, business and personal support services to New York farmers and farm families. Serves both producers and agribusiness professionals.

Cornell AgriTech