The Cornell Farmworker Program seeks recognition for farmworkers’ contributions to society and their acceptance and full participation in local communities.

We envision a state and nation in which farmworkers receive equal protection under law, earn a living wage, live in comfortable housing, are safe and healthy, receive due respect as workers and as individuals, and participate fully in their communities.

Our research, education, and outreach efforts are informed by ongoing needs assessments with farmworkers. Through interviews, focus group discussions, and surveys, farmworkers identify priority areas for collaboration. Together we develop materials and programs that address long-term as well as time-sensitive challenges. In addition to our active group of volunteers, we have a broad network of collaborators with expertise in immigration, labor, health,  education, emergency assistance among other relevant topics. The Cornell Farmworker Program publishes scholarly articles, research and policy briefs, conducts educational programs specifically designed for farmworkers, and actively contributes to print media and radio on farmworker-related topics. Our efforts in response to farmworker needs including current responses (webinars, Spanish language calls, materials support) that are related to concerns about COVID-19 among farmworkers. 

Contact us

Cornell Farmworker Program

275H Warren Hall

Cornell University

Ithaca, NY 14853

Tel: (607) 254-5194

Fax: (607) 255-9710

What We Do

Immigration & Legal Support

Access to pro-bono and low bono immigration and family law attorney and support services include: know your rights workshops, immigration screenings, parental designation forms, standby guardianship, power of attorney, parent permission to travel and health care proxy.

Creating Positive Workplaces

Learn, understand and advocate for healthy, safe workplaces and living arrangements for farmworkers and their families

Learning English

Offer personalized English as a second language classes and tutoring sessions

Highlights & News

Elizabeth	Arrazola headshot

Field Note

Coverdell Fellow Elizabeth Arrazola's drive for immigration justice
After serving as a Peace Corps volunteer in Morocco, Elizabeth Arrazola returned to the United States with a passion to support equitable immigration rights, particularly for unaccompanied minors. This path led her to the Master of Professional...
  • Department of Global Development
  • Global Development
Woman in field of flowers

Field Note

In her time at Cornell, Maria DiGiovanni ’23 explored and confronted a multitude of challenges that impact our food system. From co-founding the Soil Factory to co-leading Cornell Hunger Relief, she’s put classroom lessons into practice. Her...
  • Department of Global Development
  • Global Development

News

A Cornell research team identified barriers to immigrants’ use of online resources that could help them access health and legal benefits, and recommended solutions they incorporated into a new website, Rights for Health.

  • Department of Communication
  • Communication
Benjamin Houlton

News

On Sept. 1, members of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) came together to celebrate the 18th year of the Research & Extension Awards and the 13th year of the Core Value Staff Awards . The ceremony recognized the notable and...
  • Cornell AgriTech
  • Cornell Botanic Gardens
  • Animal Science
Wooden fence.

News

Funded projects this cycle reflect the Migrations initiative’s interdisciplinary priorities of racism, dispossession and migration in the United States and international, multispecies migration.
  • Lab of Ornithology
  • Department of Global Development
  • Natural Resources and the Environment

Connect With Us

Farmer collects apples

Learn more about the resources, information and services we offer to farmworkers throughout New York State. Aprende más sobre los recursos, información y servicios que ofrecemos a trabajadores agricolas en Nueva York.

Two women talking to each other in front of a poster

Explore resources and expertise we have available for stakeholders who support the farmworker community.

Farmworker program volunteers sit as a group

Explore opportunities to get involved and support farmworkers through outreach activities, volunteer engagements and internships.