CORNELL cooperative extension (CCE) connects communities with CORNELL university (CORNELL) research and expertise to enrich and empower new yorkers across the state

The Department of Agriculture National Institute of Food and Agriculture awarded Cornell University $18.127 million under the Smith-Lever Extension Funding program (CFDA 10.511) on October 1, 2025, for cooperative agricultural extension activities through Cornell Cooperative Extension.

Cornell Cooperative Extension delivers extension programming across all New York State counties and the five boroughs of New York City, providing research-based knowledge and resources through local county offices. CCE educators deliver targeted programming in neighborhoods, homes, workplaces, and schools focused on family support, energy and cost savings, food production and preparation, business development, and environmental protection. The extension system engages approximately 1.7 million interactions annually with New York residents including children, families, farmers, veterans, entrepreneurs, and community organizers. Programming draws on Cornell faculty and research from the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and the College of Human Ecology, working collaboratively with extension associates, agriculture specialists, local partners, and approximately 27,000 volunteers.

The award covers the five-year period from October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2030. Place of performance is Ithaca, New York. Cornell University's Office of Sponsored Programs administers the award as the recipient institution.

CCE puts knowledge to work in pursuit of economic vitality, ecological sustainability and social well-being. Rooted in every county of new york state, we bring local experience and research-based solutions together, helping families and communities thrive in our rapidly changing world. With a presence in all new york state counties and the five boroughs of new york city, local CCE offices provide programming and resources tailored to meet the needs of their communities. In neighborhoods, homes, workplaces, and schools, CCE educators work to empower individuals and families, with raising children, saving energy and money, growing and preparing food, starting and sustaining businesses, and protecting the environment. Each CCE office relies on county, state, and federal funds to solve local problems and strengthen communities. CCE is collaborative by design. From volunteers and staff to CORNELL faculty and community partners, CCE works with and within the community to better our state. CCE partners with local, state, and federal government agencies, working with both innovators and lawmakers to affect real change for new york state. Across all our communities, 27,000 new yorkers spend their free ??me volunteering with CCE. CCE connects CORNELL's world-class faculty and research with regional and county-based educators and partners across the state. Faculty and staff-primarily from the college of agriculture and life sciences and the college of human ecology-collaborate with extension associates, agriculture specialists, CCE educators and staff, local partners, and volunteers across new york state to engage and empower communities to transform and grow. Every year CCE tallies nearly 1.7 million interactions with new york residents: children, families, farmers, veterans, entrepreneurs, community organizers, and more, all working for a better future. Nearly 170,000 young people from new york's largest CI??ES to smallest towns are involved with 4-H, learning skills for healthy living, civic engagement, and scientific discovery. CCE experts help residents respond to local concerns. Across new york, CCE works hard to improve - farming and food production; paren??NG, family life, and family dynamics; child health and nutrition; veteran and military family opportunities; water, land and energy conservation and M anagement; community resilience; nutri??on education and health; financial security and economic vitality.