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Cornell Cooperative Extension highlights agritourism, education programs amid funding constraints
Summary
Cornell Cooperative Extension (Greene County) reported program growth in 4‑H, Master Gardener and new farmer training, promoted Taste NY retail partnerships and seedling sales, and requested county support as it faces budget shortfalls.
Lisa Galina, executive director of Cornell Cooperative Extension in Greene County, briefed county officials on programs that support agri‑tourism, small producers and local education.
Galina said the Taste NY store carries local products, pointed to a plant and seedling sale happening next week, and described a successful new‑beginning farmer program with 18 participants. “We do pollinators. We do all sorts, egg. You name the topic. An educator is trained as an educator. The content is credentialed,” she said, urging county officials to consider local funding to avoid layoffs.
Galina reviewed the extension’s portfolio: Master Gardener programming, an expanding 4‑H program and an Agroforestry Center that partners with Watershed Ag Council and other regional demonstration sites. She said the extension’s staff help local producers scale food and beverage products (for example, safely producing shelf‑stable jams or pickles) and link entrepreneurs to state resources at AgriTech in Geneva.
The extension noted operational constraints and asked county officials and municipalities that received revitalization grants to consider partnering with the extension for education and implementation. Galina invited county officials to the extension board meeting next Tuesday and offered facility tours for local partners.
Background: Galina said the extension operates a 43‑acre site with hoop‑house renovations and that many programs are staffed by employees who enter the New York State retirement system after five years. The extension emphasized its role in workforce development, agritourism promotion and small‑producer support.
