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 $437,802 under the Cooperative Forestry Research program (CFDA 10.202) on October 1, 2025.

The award funds forest and forest-related research and education activities administered through Cornell's Agricultural Experiment Station and Cornell Cooperative Extension system across New York State. Eligible mandated projects supported under the McIntire-Stennis Cooperative Forestry Research program address the production, utilization, and protection of forestland while training future forestry scientists and engaging other disciplines in forestry research.

The performance period runs from October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2027, with work performed in New York. Under McIntire-Stennis policy, up to 50 percent of FY 2025 funds may be carried over into FY 2026, with carryover funds fully expended by September 30, 2026. Waiver requests for carryover exceeding 50 percent may be approved through the National Program Leader.

This is a formula grant distributed to eligible state-certified institutions as determined by the Governor or designee. Cornell University, operating through its Office of Sponsored Programs, receives the award as the ultimate recipient.

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 of 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 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. 4H 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