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 Department of Agriculture National Institute of Food and Agriculture awarded Cornell University $3,135,736 under the Payments to Agricultural Experiment Stations Under the Hatch Act program (CFDA 10.203) on October 1, 2025.

The award funds applied research and extension programming across agriculture, food systems, natural resources, forestry, and rural development in New York State and beyond. Cornell Agricultural Experiment Station (AES), in collaboration with Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) and Cornell AgriTech, integrates research with non-formal education and extension services to address issues including agricultural productivity and food safety, environmental resource management, forest management, aquaculture, nutrition, and family life. Research priorities align with NIFA strategic areas and support both single-state projects and multistate collaborative efforts.

The funding covers the period October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2027, with performance taking place in New York. As a formula grant under the Hatch Act, funds are allocated to the state agricultural experiment station according to statutory formula. Cornell University's Office of Sponsored Programs administers the award.

The Hatch Act program assists state agricultural experiment stations in conducting agricultural research spanning soil and water management, crop and animal production, food quality and safety, forest and rangeland management, and biotechnology. At least 25 percent of program funds must support multistate projects addressing regional or national agricultural challenges.

Cornell AES is an integral part of three colleges that advance research on food and agriculture systems, applied economics, and community and individual development. By engaging across this spectrum, cornell AES improves people's lives and contributes towards cornell's land grant mission of discovery, engagement, and advancement of learning. Cornell AES links cornell's world-class research facilities with one of the nation's most comprehensive statewide cooperative extension systems (cornell cooperative extension, CCE). Through this engaged, interactive system, we address pressing issues that directly affect the health and welfare of the state and beyond. Many of today's most urgent societal concerns - from childhood obesity to invasive species to global extreme weather events - are not limited by state or national boundaries. Every aspect o f our operation from staff development to forest management to field practices is viewed through the lens of sustainability and economic impact. Cornell AES, cornell agritech, 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 appr oach 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 OPP ortunities. 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 stre ngthening production systems, and advancing rural prosperity through sciencebased 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, and resilient food systems. 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.