Hundreds of Cornell researchers labor to support global harvests. Their diverse research includes breeding better varieties, strengthening soil health, and developing improved management strategies to help growers cope with the host of pests, diseases and weather events that can undermine their work and our food supply.
"Those of us who uncover scientific discoveries, develop better varieties and farming practices, and distribute that knowledge to our growers are honored to be part of the community that supports food systems and wellbeing, in New York and around the globe," said Margaret Smith, professor of plant breeding and genetics and director of the Cornell University Agricultural Experiment Station (Cornell AES). Cornell AES supports hundreds of research projects by managing a statewide network of farms and greenhouses where research trials are conducted, and by managing $5 million annually in Federal Capacity Funds from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture to support Cornell research. "This crucial research will help us continue to deliver wholesome, diverse, delicious foods while we face a future of growing populations, less-predictable weather patterns and other uncertainties."