Lake Ontario Fruit Program Enrollment

Program Areas

  • Food Safety
  • Variety Evaluation
  • Market Development
  • Pest Management
  • Cultural Practices

Enrollment Benefits

  • Telephone / Email Consultations
  • Fruit Newsletter?
  • Direct Mailings
  • Educational Meetings & Conferences
  • In-Field Educational Opportunities
  • On-Farm Research Trials

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Events - month view

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April 2024

2024 Respirator Fit Testing Clinic

April 3, 2024 : Orleans CCE Fit Testing - afternoon
1pm-5pm
CCE Orleans County
Albion, NY

The New York Center for Agricultural Medicine and Health (NYCAMH) and Cornell Cooperative Extension of Orleans County are pleased to provide respirator fit testing clinics for agricultural businesses in your region on April 3rd.

2024 Respirator Fit Testing Clinic

April 4, 2024 : Orleans CCE Fit Testing - morning
8am -12pm
CCE Orleans County
Albion, NY

The New York Center for Agricultural Medicine and Health (NYCAMH) and Cornell Cooperative Extension of Orleans County are pleased to provide respirator fit testing clinics for agricultural businesses in your region on April 4th.

2024 DEC Special Permit Handler Training - Wayne County

April 9, 2024
English: 8:30am check-in, 9am - 12:30pm; Spanish: 1pm check-in, 1:30-5pm
CCE Wayne County
Newark, NY

2024 DEC Special Permit Handler Training - Wayne County

Special Permit Training (SPT) for 2024 will be held in person at the Cornell Cooperative Extension Office.

2024 DEC Special Permit Handler Training - Orleans County

April 10, 2024
8am check-in; 8:30am - 12pm concurrent sessions
CCE Orleans County - Trolley Building
Albion, NY

2024 DEC Special Permit Handler Training - Orleans County

Special Permit Training (SPT) for 2024 will be held in person at the Cornell Cooperative Extension Office.

2024 Respirator Fit Testing in Wayne County

April 11, 2024
Starts at 9am
Pultneyville Lodge
Pultneyville, NY

A one day clinic for respirator fit testing will be held in Wayne County on April 24. Please be sure to register by April 14th, as space is limited. 

Cornell Statewide Frost Protection Webinar

April 12, 2024
12 - 1:30 pm
Webinar

Spring started earlier than usual in some parts of New York's fruit production regions, and CCE is taking a proactive approach to get information on frost protection and its science out to NY fruit growers. 

Virtual IPM Scout Training

April 15, 2024
2-4pm
Zoom

Join us for a live, virtual training on scouting of major insect pests of apple orchards.

2024 DEC Special Permit Handler Training - Monroe County

April 17, 2024
1pm Check In; 1:30 - 5pm concurrent sessions
Irondequoit Public Library
Rochester, NY

2024 DEC Special Permit Handler Training - Monroe County

Last opportunity for Special Permit Training (SPT) for 2024 will be held in person at the Irondequoit Public Library.  Register by 8am April 16th.

2024 Statewide Virtual Pink Meeting

April 22, 2024
3 - 4:30pm
Zoom

2024 Statewide Virtual Pink Meeting

CCE Annual Pink Meeting join CCE LOFP & CCE ENYCHP in reviewing horticulture and IPM strategies & recommendations for apples during the pink fruit growth stage.  Please click details & use the link provided to join the zoom meeting.  

2024 Tree Fruit & Small Fruit Twilight Meetings

Event Offers DEC Credits

April 25, 2024 : Tree Fruit & Small Fruit Twilight Meetings 1 of 4
DEC Credit sign-in 6:45pm; 7-8:30pm
Apple Shed
Newark, NY

Join specialists Janet Van Zoeren, Anya Osatuke, and Anna Wallis for a conversation about fruit and berry phenology and pest management, at a new location each month.

May 2024

2024 WNY and Capital Region Virtual Petal Fall Thinning Meeting

May 13, 2024
4pm - 5pm
Virtual

Join CCE-ENYCHP & CCE-LOF program specialist Mike Basedow, Craig Kahlke, and Mario Miranda Sazo for regional phenology updates.  Guest speakers include Jim Eve & Vaughn Gingerich providing additional phenology updates in Wayne County and Dr. Terence Robinson providing thinning recommendation for both regions. 

Western NY 8-12 mm Thinning Meeting

May 22, 2024
4-5pm
Zoom

Join CCE LOF's Craig, Mario, and Janet as they share updates and highlights from WNY orchards.  Additional updates and thinning recommendations will be provided by consultants Jim Eve & Vaughn Gingerich and Cornell's Dr. Terence Robinson.

Bilingual Orchard IPM Training for Farm Employees

May 29, 2024
5:30pm - 8pm
Orchard Dale Fruit Farms
Waterport, NY

Join LOF's Janet van Zoeren and Mario Miranda Sazo and NYS IPM's Anna Wallis. It will feature both educational IPM trainings, along with time for farm employees to socialize and learn from each other

2024 Tree Fruit & Small Fruit Twilight Meetings

Event Offers DEC Credits

May 30, 2024 : Tree Fruit & Small Fruit Twilight Meetings 2 of 4
6:30pm - 8:30pm
Coulter Farms
Lockport, NY

Join specialists Janet Van Zoeren, Anya Osatuke, Robert Hadad, and Anna Wallis for a conversation about fruit and berry phenology, pest management, food safety and water quality, at a new location each month.

June 2024

2024 Virtual Orchard Meetup Series 'Water Wisdom: Navigating Tree Fruit Production Through Drought and Deluge'

June 6, 2024 : Trends in Water Availability
7PM (EDT)
Zoom

Our fourth series will focus on "Water Wisdom: Navigating Tree Fruit Production Through Drought and Deluge". Connect with industry leaders across North America, over 20 experts as they discuss this topic in these 90-minute online forums, and more than 1,000 participants. 

2024 Virtual Orchard Meetup Series 'Water Wisdom: Navigating Tree Fruit Production Through Drought and Deluge'

June 13, 2024 : Role of Water in Tree Fruit Physiology & Quality
7PM (EDT)
Zoom

Western NY Hard Cider Tour - Registration Closed- contact Craig at cjk37@cornell.edu - if any spots are still available

June 14, 2024
10am - 3:45pm
Starts at Clarksburg Cider
Lancaster, NY

Join specialists and researchers from CCE and Cornell on tour across WNY to local Cideries and orchards as they discuss production, varieties, agri-entertainment, cider varieties, and current trials.

2024 Virtual Orchard Meetup Series 'Water Wisdom: Navigating Tree Fruit Production Through Drought and Deluge'

June 20, 2024 : Smart Watering: Practices for Irrigation Management
7PM (EDT)
Zoom

Virtual IPM Orchard Scout Training 2

Event Offers DEC Credits

June 25, 2024
1:30 - 3 PM
Zoom - no registration necessary

Join Anna Wallis (NYSIPM Program), Mike Basedow (CCE ENYCHP), and Janet van Zoeren (CCE LOFT) for a second live, virtual training  on scouting of major insect pest of apple orchards.

2024 Tree Fruit & Small Fruit Twilight Meetings

Event Offers DEC Credits

June 27, 2024 : Tree Fruit & Small Fruit Twilight Meetings 3 of 4
6:30pm-8:30pm
Lakeview Apple Orchards
Penn Yan, NY

Join specialists Janet Van Zoeren, Anya Osatuke, Robert Hadad, and Anna Wallis for a conversation about fruit and berry phenology, pest management, food safety and water quality, at a new location each month.

2024 Virtual Orchard Meetup Series 'Water Wisdom: Navigating Tree Fruit Production Through Drought and Deluge'

June 27, 2024 : Water Wisdom Unplugged: Panelist Q&A
7PM (EDT)
Zoom

NYS Honeyberry Conference

June 29, 2024
8:30am - 4:30pm
CiTi BOCES
Mexico, NY

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Oswego County (CCE Oswego County) and Cornell Cooperative Extension Harvest NY (CCE Harvest NY) will be hosting a state-wide conference on a new emerging fruit called Honeyberry, also known as Haskap (Lonicera caerulea).

more crops
Apples

Apples

Apricots

Apricots

Asian Pears

Asian Pears

Blueberries

Blueberries

Cherries

Cherries

Currants

Currants

Gooseberries

Gooseberries

Nectarines

Nectarines

Peaches

Peaches

Pears

Pears

Plums

Plums

Raspberries / Blackberries

Raspberries / Blackberries

Strawberries

Strawberries

Unusual Fruit

Unusual Fruit

more crops

Upcoming Events

2026 Wayne County - Certified Pesticide Applicator License Exam

April 2, 2026
Newark, NY

A Certification Exam will be administered on April 2nd by the DEC to Qualified Applicants.

2026 Virtual Orchard Meetup Series

February 27, 2026 : Session 1 - The Impacts of Weather on Pome Fruit Quality and Storability: Lessons Learned

The Impacts of Weather on Pome Fruit Quality and Storability: Lessons from 2025 -  The first meetup will be conducted live on Friday, February 27, 2026, at 10:30pm (PST)/1:30pm (EST).  The webinar will last 90 minutes.  The format will include brief presentations by two SPARC scientists, followed by a packer/grower panel of industry leaders across North America.  The meetup will conclude with an open discussion in a very inclusive virtual format.  Viewers are invited to share solutions, ask questions, and interact with scientists and panelists.  The program is free of charge.


June 11, 2026 : Session 2

Details to follow.


June 18, 2026

Details to follow.


June 25, 2026 : Session 4

Details to follow.

Cornell Fruit Field Day

July 30, 2026
Geneva, NY

Join Cornell researchers in Geneva for Fruit Field Day, returning after 10 years, to tour research plots, learn from experts—including Terence Robinson with 40+ years in tree fruit research—and explore the latest orchard technologies and practices.

Announcements

2026 Beginning Farmer Competitive Grant Program

2026 Beginning Farmer Competitive Grant Program
$1.7 Million Available for New York Beginning Farmers
New York Farm Viability Institute is pleased to announce that the 2026 NYS Beginning Farmer Competitive Grant Program (BFCG) is now open as of March 16. The BFCG is a competitive funding opportunity administered in partnership with the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets. The program will provide 1.7 million to support beginning farmers in building financially sustainable, independent, commercial agricultural enterprises throughout New York State. RFP closes on June 14, 2026.
Additional details on the project including applicant eligibility, supported project activities, and upcoming informational webinars can be found here: 2026 Beginning Farmer Competitive Grant Program - NYFVI.ORG https://nyfvi.org/grant-programs/producer-grants/beginning-farmer/2026-bf/


Cornell Crop and Pest Management Guidelines

Cornell Integrated Pest Management has announced a pause in Crop and Pest Management Guideline production for 2026 to allow time to restructure and modernize the program for the future.

The 2025 editions will remain available through the Cornell Store (print while supplies last; online versions available until 2027). https://www.cornellstore.com/books/cornell-cooperative-ext-pmep-guidelines?page=1

An exception is the 2026-2027 New York/New England Greenhouse/Herbaceous Ornamentals Guidelines, which will be published as planned.

Updates will be shared as progress continues.

2026 Respirator Fit Testing!

2026 Respirator Fit Testing Opportunities:

To help ensure a comfortable and well-coordinated clinic for all participants, event time and location details will be provided at the time of registration.

April 2026 - Wayne County - Register by March 31st - to sign up or for more details contact jev67@cornell.edu or emt44@cornell.edu

May 2026 - Orleans County - Registration Open Now - https://www.nycamh.org/services/training/respirator-fit-testing/



Clean Sweep NY

The Spring 2026 collection will take place from May 5-8, 2026, in Western, New York. For more information about CleanSweepNY or to request a registration form for the Spring 2026 collection, please email (cleansweep@dec.ny.gov) or call 518-225-8146.

Tuesday, May 5 - Depew (Erie County)
Wednesday, May 6 - Lockport (Niagara County)
Thursday, May 7 - Spencerport (Monroe County)
Friday, May 8 - Waterloo (Seneca County)

More information about CleanSweepNY can be found at https://dec.ny.gov/environmental-protection/pesticides/special-initiatives


Now Hiring!

Join Cornell Cooperative Extension's Lake Ontario Fruit Program -- a full-time, hybrid role supporting commercial fruit growers through education, applied research, and industry collaboration in western New York. See more details to determine if this role is right for you.

Save the Date! - Scroll down for Upcoming Events

Have you missed a meeting recently? Scroll down for available recordings or pdf links or visits our YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/c/LakeOntarioFruitProgram

2026 Events:

for more details click on event title

18 Mar - Postharvest Water Management, Sanitation, and Traceability Workshop - 9am - 4pm, CCE Orleans, Register Now! 2.75 DEC Credits available in 10,1a,22,23.

18 Mar - Tree Fruit Scouting Online Course: Week 4 - 4:30 - 6pm, Online, Free

19 Mar - 2026 Cornell Winter Fruit Webinars: St. Peachtrick's Day - Cherry Pruning Strategies and Plum Varieties for the Northeast - 11am - 12:30pm, Online, Register Now!

20 Mar - Harmonized GAP Plus+ Plan Writing Session - 7:30am Sign-in, CCE Wayne, Register Now!

24 Mar - Pesticide Applicators Review Course & Exam - Day 1 - 9am - 1pm, CCE Wayne, Register Now!

25 Mar - Tree Fruit Scouting Online Course: Week 5 - 4:30 - 6pm, Online, Free


2 Apr - DEC Certified Pesticide Applicator License Exam - 9am, CCE Wayne, Register Now!

30 July - 2026  Cornell Fruit Field Day, Geneva.  Stay tuned for updates.




Webinar Recordings & Additional Meeting Materials

Check out the recordings of some recent webinars and/or conference materials from in person events: Recordings and Playlists are available at https://www.youtube.com/c/LakeOntarioFruitProgram

2026 Recordings & Materials


2025 Recordings & Materials




Recording of Precision Apple Cropload MANagement PACMAN technologies at the 2nd Annual WNY Fruit Grower Tour. https://youtu.be/yE6thvf4z0E

2024 Virtual Orchard Meetup Series - Water Wisdom: 






2024 Winter Fruit Webinars playlist on the NYS IPM Program YouTube Channel


PACMAN Details and Resources, Meeting Recording Links below:




In Memory of Robert Brown II

With Deep Sadness, We Honor the Memory of Robert Brown II: A Cherished Friend, an Influential Leader in the Western NY Apple Industry, and a Remarkable Contributor to the Core Mission of CCE (May 23, 1955 -- November 23, 2025) see details https://lof.cce.cornell.edu/submission.php?id=976&crumb=crops|crops|apples|crop*38

NEWA weather stations moving to a new dashboard!

NEWA weather stations purchased through Rainwise (now owned by KestrelMet) are moving to a new dashboard!



NYCAMH Fit Testing Requirements

Considering NYCAMH for your respirator fit testing?

Here are some key facts and helpful tips about medical clearance:

Medical Clearance ? Fit Testing (They are not the same!)

Before you can wear a respirator or be fit tested, OSHA requires a medical evaluation under the Respiratory Protection Standard (29 CFR 1910.134). This evaluation must be conducted by a licensed healthcare provider to determine if you are physically able to use a respirator safely.

read details

2025 Cornell Winter Fruit Webinar Recordings

Recordings now available on the NYIPM YouTube Channel 2025 Cornell Winter Webinar playlist https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ccj8IT-8eI&list=PLoNb8lODb49u16HwAqx7Y_TS5S3vdkrON

Business Updates



Scaffolds podcast

Many of you probably read Art Agnello's statewide tree fruit updates and recommendations newsletter, "Scaffolds". Dr. Monique Rivera is bringing it back, but in a new audio version. Episode one was recorded this week, and is now available for free online at https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/scaffolds


NYS Tree Decline Survey

Your answers could help find the solution to tree decline in the orchard.

Food Safety Virtual Office Hours

Cornell Institute of Food Safety "Virtual Office Hours", Tuesdays Noon to 1pm https://cals.cornell.edu/institute-for-food-safety/resources/virtual-office-hours

Past recorded virtual office hours can be found on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZJs5b7KUuvfcquH3ZtQHo5dSmF2m5MdQ


Pollinator Resouces

Now available Pollinator Resource Links


Meeting Recordings Now Available

Did you miss the recent meeting?  Check and see if we recorded it and added it to our website or Lake Ontario Fruit Program YouTube Channel.

Honeycrisp Meetup recordings available here.

Why are my trees growing so poorly? recording available here.

Additional Recorded Webinars listing with recording and resource link are available at



New Publication on Growing Pawpaws

Are you a fan of pawpaws? These custardy fruits can be hard to come across, so this guide provides information on how to grow your own pawpaw from seed, and how to care for grafted seedlings. Pdf on growing now available.​ https://lof.cce.cornell.edu/submission.php?id=799&crumb=crops|crops|unusual_fruit|crop*50

New Weed Management Technology Survey

Want to move away from herbicide reliance? Are you using novel technologies to manage weeds? We want to know about it to inform our weed science research. A team of weed scientists from University of California Davis, Oregon State University, and Cornell University are asking berry, tree fruit, tree nut, and vine crop growers to take 5 to 10 minutes and answer this short and anonymous survey. Weed Technology Survey link: https://cornell.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bEpfAijoP7puQDP

For more information on this survey please visit http://blogs.cornell.edu/swd1/2020/12/02/new-weed-management-technology/


Pollinator Webinar Series - Summer 2020

The Pollinator Webinar Series presented by Penn State cover bee health and pollination services.



Bloom Pesticides for Pollinator Health

A reference table created by Janet van Zoeren and Anna Wallis, is now available at https://lof.cce.cornell.edu/submission.php?id=711&crumb=pests|pests.