The Cornell University Agricultural Experiment Station links Cornell's world-class research facilities with one of the nation’s most comprehensive statewide cooperative extension systems. Through this engaged, interactive system we address pressing issues that directly affect the health and welfare of the state, and beyond. Many of today’s most urgent societal concerns – from childhood obesity to invasive species to global climate change – do not recognize state or national boundaries.

With more than 130 years of experience identifying, quantifying, and responding to emerging issues in an ever-changing world, CUAES directs some of the most important projects in the state on a broad range of topics with five general themes: agriculture and food systems, quality of life, youth development, community and economic vitality, and natural resources and the environment. 

CUAES currently oversees a $7 million federally-funded project portfolio, in partnership with Cornell Cooperative Extension and the New York

Former director of the CUAES Dan Decker, current Director Mike Hoffmann and CALS Dean Susan Henry

State Agricultural Experiment Station. The chief source of station funding is a yearly allocation made on a formula basis by the Cooperative State Research, Education and Extension Services (CSREES) of the United States Department Agriculture (USDA) as part of the land-grant system.

The station also has influence over 14,000 acres of farms and forests and more than a dozen farms, facilities and greenhouses, providing critical research services to scientists. Our student-run farm, Dilmun Hill, which uses organic agricultural practices, is a model of a student-run agricultural operation that has been emulated by other organizations and universities. Every aspect of our operation – from staff development to forest management to farm equipment – is viewed through the lens of environmental sustainability. We practice what we preach.