John Nettleton
Cornell Cooperative Extension
NYC Programs
16 E. 34 St., 8th Floor
New York, NY 10016-4328
(212) 340-2937, (212) 340-2953 fax

This case study presentation and participant discussion focuses on two programs in New York City involving regional planning with nearby Extension Associations and value-added strategies for food and energy crops. Designed to promote and enhance the level of food and energy security for New York City and its region. Food security efforts are more fully developed, with energy initiatives at an earlier stage.

The program goals in food security are to: [1] promote direct market production by growers, focusing on farmers’ markets, niche and ethnic markets; [2] help local groups sponsor markets; and [3] train immigrants re-entering market-focused agriculture. Target audiences include neighborhood market sponsors and users, producers shifting to diversified production and immigrants with prior ag experience. Resources developed include curricula for training, collaboration with local market sponsors and organizations.

The program goals in energy security are to: [1] expand public education regarding energy-related operating costs for community-based groups; [2] identify and exploit a program niche for Extension re renewable fuels, esp. plant-based and waste oil biodiesel; and [3] to research and identify NYC market demand for such fuels: besides bus fleets Citywide, each apartment uses c. 1,000 gals per season; a B20 (20% biodiesel) fuel shift will generate millions of gallons in demand appehendable by regional producers. Program target audiences include apartment managers, fleet operators and regional ag producers. Resources developed to date include strong links with City stakeholders and a research study underway (Fall 2004) of available food (waste) and processing oil in selected districts of Brooklyn.

PowerPoint Presentation (PDF format, 121 kb)

Handout: Energy Education at Cornell Cooperative Extension/New York City (PDF format, 36 kb)

Handout: Wise Energy Use Brochure (PDF format, 136 kb)