At cornell university, FCF are administered strategically to address a wide range of issues in new york state (NYS) and beyond and foster the integration of applied research and extension programming

The National Institute of Food and Agriculture awarded Cornell University $1,462,946 under the Hatch Act formula grant program on October 1, 2025, to support agricultural research and extension programming at the New York State Agricultural Experiment Station (Cornell Agritech) in Geneva, New York, through September 30, 2027.

Cornell Agritech, in collaboration with Cornell University's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CUAES) and Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE), integrates applied research and extension activities across four priority areas aligned with NIFA objectives. Agriculture and Food Systems projects support a robust, profitable New York State food and agriculture industry producing safe, reliable, and healthy food supplies. Environment Systems initiatives strengthen production systems and advance rural prosperity through science-based research, education, and outreach, prioritizing cost-effective strategies that enhance efficiency while safeguarding New York's natural resources and communities. Nutrition, Food Safety and Security, and Obesity Prevention projects support research, education, and extension to improve individual and community health through guidance on diet and physical activity. Additional critical issues addressed include forestry, rural development, and biotechnology applications relevant to regional and national challenges.

The Hatch Act formula distributes funds to state agricultural experiment stations nationwide. Cornell's award funds individual research and extension projects as well as integrated projects that combine both domains, with at least 25 percent of Hatch funding directed to multistate collaborative initiatives addressing regional or national agricultural challenges.

Cornell agritech (the new york state AG experiment station) is an integral part of advanced research on food and agriculture systems. Cornell agritech improves people's lives and contributes towards cornell's land grant mission of discovery, engagement, and advancement of learning. Cornell agritech links cornell's world-class research facilities with one of the nation's most comprehensive statewide cooperative extension systems. Through this engaged, interactive system we address pressing issues that directly affect the health and welfare of the state and beyond. Cornell agritech, cuaes and CCE work collaboratively to determine planned programs that align with nifa priority areas and direct funds to individual research and extension projects as well as projects that integrate these two domains. The approach used to integrate the work of the two experiment stations and CCE is designed to serve the citizens of NYS and improve the human condition through excellence in scholarship linking research, non-formal teaching, and extension to 'real life' challenges and opportunities. Critical issues include: agriculture & food systems: projects support a NYS food & agriculture industry that is robust, and profitable, and that produces a safe, reliable, and healthy food supply. Environment systems: projects focus on strengthening production systems, and advancing rural prosperity through science-based research, education, and outreach. Initiatives prioritize practical, cost-effective strategies that enhance efficiency while safeguarding NYS's natural resources and communities. Nutrition, food safety and security, and obesity prevention: projects support research, education, and extension to improve individual and community health through guidance on diet and physical activity and by developing effective educational and environmental strategies. Projects promote childhood obesity prevention, enhance youth, family, and community nutrition, and advance food security and safety. 4-h youth development/children, youth, & families: projects focus on life skill development, stem education, food systems, and agriculture workforce opportunities for youth. This issue area also includes human development topics, including improving the quality of home and work environments. Community & economic vitality: projects foster vibrant, thriving communities by advancing entrepreneurship, adult workforce readiness, resilient food system. Focus areas include agritourism, health and wellbeing, disaster education, land use, and support for veterans, families, and volunteers - strengthening economic opportunity and quality of life across NYS communities.