Agriculture and Horticulture

Our Mission

Our mission is to foster the sustainability of diverse, thriving small and large farms that contribute to food security, locally grown food availability, healthy communities, and the environment. We do this by encouraging farm-focused research and extension education programs and promote collaboration in support of the agricultural community to ensure economic vitality.

The Agriculture and Horticulture Program is a leader in research-based education in the areas of commercial agriculture, commercial horticulture, community horticulture, and certified pesticide applicator education.  Master Gardener Volunteers provide education to individuals, communities and organizations that promote best management practices to protect our environmental resources.

What We Do

Agriculture

Farms in Dutchess County have a very diverse array of agricultural commodities including: tree fruits, berries, grapes, vegetables, field crops, biofuel crops, maple syrup, dairy products, meat, poultry, eggs, bedding and garden plants, Christmas trees, horses and other horticultural products. Cornell Cooperative Extension Dutchess County provides research-based educational resources and technical assistance to the commercial agriculture industry which helps to ensure high quality products while sustaining agricultural economic viability.

Commercial Horticulture

The horticulture Industry in Dutchess County is diverse consisting of arborists, landscapers, nurseries, greenhouses, turf managers, municipal workers, retail garden centers, florists, and pest management operators.

Cornell Cooperative Extension Dutchess County provides educational programming, workshops, seminars and diagnostic services with emphasis on environmental stewardship, best management practices and economic viability.  Cornell Cooperative Extension Dutchess County provides numerous educational programs for the commercial horticulture industry, including urban and community forestry training, certified arborist training, certified pesticide applicator education, invasive species education and Integrated Pest Management Programs.

Community Horticulture

Cornell Cooperative Extension Dutchess County educates people and communities about sustainable gardening and landscape practices, environmental stewardship, integrated pest management, soil and water conservation and selection of plants and varieties.

Cornell Cooperative Extension Dutchess County Community Horticulture Program works to address the needs of the general community through education, classes, demonstration landscapes which focus on water conservation, best management practices and edible landscaping to supplement food expenses.  The diagnostic lab offers integrated pest management options and solutions to commercial and consumer questions pertaining to agriculture and horticulture.

Master Gardener Volunteers

Master Gardeners are a group of trained volunteers who work with communities and groups to foster best management practices for sustainable landscapes, a greener environment and protection of our water quality.  Master Gardener volunteers have designed, grown, planted and maintain several outdoor “classrooms” at the Farm & Home Center.  The edible landscape section is the only one of its kind within Cornell Cooperative Extension!

Who We Are

Agriculture & Horticulture Program professional staff members are trained and experienced in agriculture production, vegetable production, marketing products and best management practices, equine and livestock practices, field crop production, and commercial and community horticulture (including the Diagnostic Lab and Master Gardener Volunteers).  Staff provides one-on-one and group education, information and resources, referrals, knowledge-building through media and hands-on experiential activities.