Urban Agriculture

Urban agriculture is defined as growing food and raising animals in moderate to heavily populated areas. Urban farms are often accompanied by complementary activities such as processing and distributing food, collecting and reusing food waste and rainwater, and educating, organizing, and employing local residents. Some examples of urban agriculture include hydroponics, urban apiaries, aquaponics, rooftop farming, controlled environment agriculture, and raising backyard chickens for egg production.

Urban Agriculture offers many benefits to a build resiliency and equity within a neighborhood or city. Environmental benefits include reduced heat island effect, decreased stormwater runoff, natural habitats for wildlife, and beautification of blighted areas. Workforce development impacts include skill building for job seekers, or those who may be entering the workforce after a pause. From an economic perspective, urban agriculture promotes increased production and sale of goods with dollars that stay in the surrounding community. Food supply is an important aspect of urban agriculture, ensuring that fresh foods are available to a community in times of crisis such as a weather event or public health emergency.

State Agriculture Department Announces $1 Million Awarded to Urban Farms and Community Gardens Across the State (March 25, 2024)

In 2022, the Department partnered with Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) to conduct a statewide study of urban agriculture was conducted to better understand the industry and put forth policy recommendations to further support it. This study builds upon Governor’s Hochul’s State of the State commitment to advancing opportunities for urban farming. 

View the report here: A Study of Urban Agriculture in New York State

Farming

Farmers' Markets

Farm-to-School

New York Food For New York Families

30% Initiative

Funding Opportunities