Acosta has been an Ag Educator and Master Gardener since 2022
From Allegany CCE, pictured is Acosta receiving the award in Denver, CO
Cristian Acosta, Agriculture Educator and Master Gardener Volunteer Coordinator from Cornell Cooperative Extension of Allegany County, has been named a recipient of the 2026 Achievement Award from the National Association of County Agricultural Agents (NACAA). The award was presented at the NACAA Annual Meeting & Professional Improvement Conference, held this year in Denver, Colorado.
The Achievement Award recognizes Cooperative Extension professionals with fewer than 10 years of service who have shown excellence, leadership, and a strong commitment to serving their communities.
Cristian has served Allegany County for four years as the county’s agriculture educator and Master Gardener Volunteer (MGV) coordinator. In that role, he has led gardening classes for residents covering ornamental gardening, food gardening, and emerging invasive species. In 2022, he took part in a regional grant project that helped municipalities educate residents on the care and management of community trees. In 2024, he co-developed a horticulture greenhouse manual for veterans in partnership with Cornell Small Farms. He also launched a YouTube channel to make horticulture education more widely accessible, has led groups through Seed to Supper and MGV program, training and incorporating four new members to the team.
“It’s an honor to be part of this wonderful team at Cornell Cooperative Extension Allegany County, to work with our great Master Gardeners, and to be recognized alongside so many dedicated Extension professionals. This work is about the community as much as it is about me: every class, every project, every garden we’ve helped grow together.” — Cristian Acosta
For more information about gardening/agriculture programs through Cornell Cooperative Extension of Allegany County, visit allegany.cce.cornell.edu.
