Cornell Cooperative Extension Upcoming Events

Check out these upcoming events from the Cornell Cooperative Extension!

­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­From Farm to Food Sales

Monday, April 27, 2026, 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Hear directly from a panel of restaurant and grocery store buyers about ordering requirements, packaging and delivery expectations, and the opportunities and constraints relevant to working with local producers. A structured open dialogue session will follow, giving you the chance to ask questions and to share your own needs, desires and constraints.

Presentations and discussions will cover topics such as how to best approach and pitch to restaurants and grocers, the importance of consistent supply and seasonal flexibility, pricing and fair billing practices, packaging and logistics, and the potential of specialty and emerging crops.

Light refreshments will be served, and a period of informal networking will be reserved towards the end of the evening.

The event is open to local farmers, chefs, and independent grocers interested in increasing sales of locally grown products and strengthening local food networks. Whether you are a farmer looking to expand your markets or a buyer eager to source more locally, this is an opportunity to build the connections that make it possible.

Register here.

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Farm Business Development & Management Workshop Series

Tuesday, May 12, 2026, 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM

This multi-session program, designed primarily for beginning and relatively new farmers, will cover the essential elements of establishing and maintaining a successful farm operation — from conducting market research and obtaining licenses to managing cash flow and analyzing financial performance.

Each 90-minute workshop will feature expert speakers who will address the many critical aspects of business development and management. Participants will receive practical materials throughout the series, including templates for budgeting and financial analysis, as well as examples of important business documents such as business plans, lease agreements, and required documentation for business registration.

The series will kick off on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., at the CCE Oswego County office with a networking event designed to bring beginning and other interested farmers in the area together. Rather than formal instruction, this first session creates space for farmers to connect with one another — because some of the most valuable business advice a new farmer can receive comes directly from peers with firsthand experience.

Register here.