The future of agriculture in New York State depends on young people understanding that the skills they’re building right now, across the educational and vocational spectrum, have direct applications in one of the state’s most essential industries. Connecting agriculture and education isn’t just an academic exercise. It’s a workforce development imperative that will directly benefit the young residents of Suffolk County and strengthen the long-term viability of the agriculture industry in New York.

That’s what brought an extraordinary group to the table in August. CCE Suffolk hosted NYS Agriculture & Markets Commissioner Richard Ball, NYS Board of Education leadership, Nassau and Suffolk County BOCES, the Long Island Farm Bureau, and school district educators for a collaborative working session at the Suffolk County Farm & Education Center, all focused on one question: how do we meaningfully bring agriculture into the K–12 classroom?

The conversation surfaced a critical insight: only 1% of New York State’s agricultural workforce is in food production. The other 99% spans technology, logistics, science, skilled trades, engineering, and business, careers most students don’t even know exist. Programs like Brentwood School District’s emerging Ag Tech initiative are already proving what’s possible, connecting students to careers in agriculture, drone technology, marine science, and skilled trades.

This is what CCE Suffolk does, we bring the right people together, connect research-based education to the communities we serve, and help turn conversation into action. Suffolk County is now positioned at the center of a statewide effort to advance agriculture education and workforce development, and we’re proud to be the organization helping move it forward.

Energy

CCE Suffolk Hosts LIPA Leadership to Advance Clean Energy Collaboration

In August, CCE Suffolk welcomed leadership from the Long Island Power Authority for a conversation about current initiatives, opportunities for continued collaboration, and the evolution of the Long Island Clean Energy Hub. The discussion reinforced the growing role CCE Suffolk plays in bringing energy education and resources directly to communities across the county. More details on our expanding clean energy programming are on the way.

Cornell Partnership

CCE’s New Assistant Director for Agriculture and Food Systems Visits Suffolk County

CCE Suffolk was proud to host Judson Reid, Cornell Cooperative Extension’s newly appointed Assistant Director for Agriculture and Food Systems, for a tour of our operations. Judson now leads CCE’s 10 Regional Agriculture Teams — a network of more than 100 Cornell specialists working across the state. His visit gave him a firsthand look at the full range of CCE Suffolk’s work, from marine restoration to the farm, from agricultural research to community education.

Government Relations

CCE Suffolk Presents to East End Supervisors on Shelter Island

CCE Suffolk’s Vanessa Lockel and Kate Rossi-Snook attended the East End Supervisors and Mayors Association meeting on Shelter Island to share the breadth of CCE Suffolk’s work across the county. The presentation highlighted the comprehensive programming CCE delivers — from marine science and agriculture to youth development and community education — with a focus on Shelter Island-based initiatives and the ways CCE serves East End communities.

MARINE

Tide & Vine Dinner: September 25 at Meadowlark, North Fork

CCE Suffolk’s fisheries team is bringing the Choose Local F.I.S.H. initiative to the table, literally. The Tide & Vine Dinner pairs locally harvested seafood with North Fork wines for an evening that celebrates the connection between our waters, our farms, and our plates. Cutchogue, September 25.

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AGRICULTURE

The Spotted Lanternfly Is Here, and Our Entomology Team Is on It

Spotted Lanternfly adults are emerging across Long Island in significant numbers this season, and CCE Suffolk Entomologist Dan Gilrein has been leading the response, fielding questions from homeowners, growers, and landscape professionals, coordinating with Penn State researchers, and providing updated management guidance to our community. Dan has been tracking this pest since it was first detected in 2014, and his work with North Fork vineyards, where heavy feeding can impact growth and yields, has been critical.

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COMMUNITY EDUCATION

Healthy Lunchbox Lunches: Partnering With Local Libraries to Help Parents Pack Smarter

CCE Suffolk's Healthy Lunchbox Lunches program, offered in partnership with local libraries this fall, helps parents rethink what goes into their child's lunchbox. Parents and kids work together to build a nutritious, appealing lunch they'll actually take to school the next day. It's also available via Zoom for families who can't attend in person.

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4-H YOUTH DEVELOPMENT

The Long Island Fair Returns September 25-27

The Suffolk County Farm & Education Center. The Long Island Fair returns September 25–27 at Old Bethpage Village Restoration — and for members of our 4-H community, it’s one of the most important events of the year. 4-H members showcase their projects, compete in exhibitions, and have the opportunity to qualify for the New York State Fair. It’s a celebration of agriculture, heritage, and the hard work these young people put in all year long.

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FEATURED EVENTS

Connecting research, education, and community to build a stronger, healthier, more resilient Suffolk County.