Welcome
Dear New Yorkers:
As director of Cornell Cooperative Extension, I invite you to learn how we are working at all levels of our food system to ensure New Yorkers have access to a safe, local, and world-class food supply.
Challenges such as climate change, increasing energy costs, and rising rates of obesity all point to the need to strengthen and support our local food system. A renewed focus on utilizing local foods production, including backyard and community gardens, growing markets, and educating consumers, has the potential to increase farm profits, significantly boost statewide consumption of fruits, vegetables, and other products, lower the incidence of obesity, and promote long-term health.
With state and local government, communities, industry, and local residents, we are pleased to be part of this important effort.
—Helene R. Dillard
Director, Cornell Cooperative Extension