Since 1983, NOFA-NY has worked alongside farmers, gardeners, and consumers to build and advocate for a sustainable regional food system that is ecologically sound, socially just, and economically viable.
Our key programs and their impacts:
At NOFA-NY, advocacy is a fundamental part of how we support New York State farms. Certification and education help farmers establish strong operations, but lasting success also depends on the policies and systems that shape the farm landscape, from disaster assistance and conservation programs to organic standards, market access, and climate resilience.
NOFA-NY works alongside farmers and partners to advance policies that protect the viability of organic agriculture in New York.
NOFA-NY’s advocacy program builds grassroots power by engaging farmers and food-system advocates in movements to build thriving, sustainable, local, and organic food and farming systems. Rooted in the international principles of organic agriculture – health, ecology, fairness, and care – we champion public policies that contribute to a more just and resilient food system.
We believe that organic farms provide enormous public value by way of healthy food, environmental stewardship, vibrant rural communities, and resilient local economies. Advocacy ensures that organic farmers have a voice in the decisions that affect their livelihoods and communities. By elevating farmers’ experiences and advancing practical, equitable policies, we work to ensure that New York’s organic farms can thrive for generations to come.
High-integrity organic certification protects the value of the organic label. Consumers choose organic because they trust it represents a rigorous set of standards for environmental stewardship, animal welfare, and prohibited substances. That trust only exists when certification programs consistently apply those standards, conduct thorough inspections, and hold all operations accountable. High-integrity certification creates a level playing field for farmers who invest time and resources in organic practices, prevents fraud, and strengthens consumer confidence. When the organic seal is backed by credible oversight, it preserves market opportunities for farmers and ensures the organic label continues to deliver the value consumers expect.
NOFA-NY certifies 900+ organic operations.
Farmer-to-farmer education is one of the most effective ways to advance resilient, successful farms because it is grounded in real-world experience. Farmers learn best from others who have faced the same challenges, tested solutions in similar conditions, and can share both successes and failures. Peer education turns practical knowledge into community knowledge, accelerating innovation, reducing risk, and helping farmers adopt new practices with confidence. When farmers teach farmers, information is relevant, credible, and immediately applicable.
1,000+ people attend NOFA-NY’s educational events per year.
Annual Winter Conference: For more than four decades, the conference has convened farmers, food system professionals, educators, advocates, homesteaders, and gardeners who are passionate about building a better food system. In January 2026, we provided 40+ workshops, and networking opportunities at the event which attracted nearly 400, including 125+ first-time participants.
Field Days and Webinars: In 2025, we hosted 28 on-farm field days, webinars, and events focused on organic and regenerative farming practices that impacted more than 600 participants. Our 2026 season has already begun and features 40+ farmer-to-farmer educational events across the state.
NOFA-NY’s mentorship program strengthens collaboration between farmers, creating a support system for new and transitioning producers while expanding organic acreage and advancing responsible land stewardship.
Farmer-to-farmer mentorship provides something that workshops and technical resources cannot: trusted guidance from someone who has already walked the path. Farming can be complex, isolating, and full of difficult decisions. A mentor offers personalized support, perspective, and encouragement, helping farmers navigate challenges, avoid costly mistakes, and build confidence over time.
Our organic mentorship program has helped more than 70 farmers.
Since launching in 2022, NOFA-NY’s mentorship program has supported more than 70 new and transitioning farmers by connecting them with experienced organic producers. These relationships strengthen individual farms while cultivating the next generation of agricultural leaders, ensuring that hard-earned knowledge and experience are passed on.
Farming can be challenging, and organic farmers are often asked to solve complex problems with limited resources and support.
300+ people are assisted through our helpline per year.
NOFA-NY’s Farmer Helpline and weekly call-in hour connect growers directly with experienced New York organic farmers who understand those challenges firsthand. We do more than answer questions; we help farmers find solutions. Whether it’s researching an issue, connecting you with other farmers, identifying resources, or troubleshooting a problem alongside you, our team serves as a trusted partner. The Helpline ensures that no farmer has to navigate challenges alone and that practical, farmer-tested support is always within reach.
NOFA-NY’s Farm Share Program is designed to ensure that all New Yorkers have access to fresh, locally sourced food through discounted Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) shares. CSA is a system where community members pay in advance for a portion of the farm’s upcoming harvest and receive a weekly box of farm-fresh food all season long; providing community members with consistent access to local, in-season food and provides predictable income for farmers.
60+ families receive fresh local food via discounted CSA shares per year.
NOFA-NY partners with farms across New York who offer CSA shares to members of their community. NOFA-NY fundraises to cover 25% of the costs and the farm raises 25% which reduces the cost per recipient to 50%. This year, we have partnered with eight farms to increase access to nutritious food and directly support small farms and strengthen local food economies.
