Since 1913, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Tompkins County (CCE-Tompkins) has responded to the needs of local residents with unbiased, research-based information, tools and education that people have come to depend on and trust. Our programs are developed in direct response to community input, and are based on the most current information available from Cornell and other Land Grant universities from across the nation.

The mission of Cooperative Extension is to enable people to improve their lives and communities through partnerships that put experience and research knowledge to work. Extension staff and trained volunteers deliver education programs, conduct applied research, and encourage community collaborations. Our educators connect people with the information they need on topics such as commercial and consumer agriculture; nutrition and health; youth and families; finances; energy efficiency; economic and community development; and sustainable natural resources. Our ability to match university resources with community needs helps us play a vital role in the lives of individuals, families, businesses, and communities throughout Tompkins County.

CCE-Tompkins is part of the Cooperative Extension land grant system, an educational partnership between County, State, and Federal governments that is administered in New York State through Cornell University. Each county’s Cooperative Extension association is an independent employer, governed by an elected Board of Directors, and is responsive to county government with general oversight from Cornell University. All associations work to meet local needs as well as state and national goals.