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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  • Issues of Fruit Newletters
  • Helpful Diagnostic Tool:
      What's wrong with my crop?

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Online Enrollment Form

16 Events - year view

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January 16

2016 Empire State Producers EXPO

Event Offers DEC Credits

January 19 - January 21, 2016
Morning, Mid-day, and Afternoon Sessions
Syracuse, NY

This show combines the major fruit, flower, vegetable, and direct marketing associations of New York State in order to provide a comprehensive trade show and educational conference for the fruit and vegetable growers of this state, as well as the surrounding states and Eastern Canada.

The Cornell Vegetable Program Specialists are involved in organizing sessions on Processing Vegetables, Potatoes, Onions, Cabbage/Cole Crops, Soil Health, Weed Management, Climate Change, Beginning Farmers, High Tunnels, and Specialty Vegetables.

Registration is open now on the NYS Vegetable Growers Association website:
http://nysvga.org/expo/information/


February 16

LOF WFS Lockport Feb 1 - Online Pre-registration Closed - Contact Kim Hazel to pre-register

Event Offers DEC Credits

February 1, 2016
All day

February 1, 2016 - CCE of Niagara, Lockport, NY 

Pre-registration closed on website, please call or email Kim Hazel at 585-798-4265 ext 26 to give her your registration info.

LOF WFS Newark Feb 2 - Online Pre-registration Closed - Contact Kim Hazel to pre-register

Event Offers DEC Credits

February 2, 2016
All day

February 1, 2016 - CCE of Niagara, Lockport, NY 

Pre-registration closed on website, please call or email Kim Hazel at 585-798-4265 ext 26, krh5@cornell.edu
to give her your registration info.

Global GAP IFA v.5 Updates Training

February 3 - February 4, 2016
9 am - 3 pm
Albion & Newark, NY

See flyers, Feb 3 program is at CCE Orleans, 12690 NYS Rte 31, Albion NY 14411

See flyers, Feb 4 program is at CCE Wayne, 1581 NYS Rte 88, Newark, NY 14513

Irrigation Water Regulations, Traceability, and Recall: Info for Produce Farmers Concerning FSMA

February 22, 2016
9:30 AM - 3:00 PM
Geneva, NY

Irrigation Water Regulations, Traceability, and Recall: Info for Produce Farmers Concerning FSMA
This meeting will provide information and answers to questions on several of the more complicated sections of the new FSMA regulations going into effect for produce growers. There will be a focus on irrigation water and what is required for testing your water sources, record keeping, how to set up a meaningful traceability program, and how to conduct a recall.

2016 CCE LOF Winter Spanish-Speaking Fruit Schools

February 23, 2016 : 2016 Spanish-speaking Winter Fruit Schools @ Zinglers Farms Inc

February 24, 2016 : 2016 CCE LOF Winter Spanish-Speaking Fruit Schools @ KC Bailey Orchards, Inc.

2016 Spanish-speaking Winter Fruit Schools @ Zinglers Farms Inc
February 23, 2016 - Zingler Farms Inc.   Orleans Co.
February 24, 2016 - KC Bailey Orchards Inc.   Wayne Co.
Please pre-register.

This full day event will include talks will introduce workers to basic and applied pomological and pest management concepts and modern apple pruning practices in the Spanish language. Lunch will be included and covered by the $15 pre-registration, due to limited space please pre-register.

click on detail for Agenda & Registration opportunities.





March 16

Niagara County Vegetable and Small Fruit Grower Meeting

Event Offers DEC Credits

March 1, 2016
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM vegetables; 1:00 PM - 4:30 PM small fruit
Lockport, NY

The morning vegetable program will include presentations on research updates on sweet corn bird and weed management; the final ruling of the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) - what it means for your farm; new developments for managing insect pests and diseases in Cole crops; and living much. Fresh market vegetable research priorities and needs will be discussed and the Western NY Food Hub.

The afternoon berry program will include presentations by Cornell faculty - Kerik Cox, Greg Loeb, Marvin Pritts, and Courtney Weber. The talks will include time for questions and will address current issues in strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries.

1.5 Continuing Education DEC Credits are available for the afternoon berry program.

Farm Food Safety with Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) Training

March 7 - March 8, 2016
9:30 AM - 4:00 PM
East Aurora, NY

Attendees will receive detailed instruction about food safety on the farm for Day 1. For those needing or interested in a third party audit for certification, Day 2 will help you write a food safety plan needed for audit. Open to all fresh market produce farmers, especially those who may want to sell through the Eden Valley Food Hub.

Organized by the Western NY Food Hub at Eden Valley Growers, Harvest New York, the Cornell Vegetable Program, and Cornell Cooperative Extension.

Cost: TBD.  Pre-registration will be required.

For more information, contact Robert Hadad at : cvp.cce.cornell.edu/specialist.php?id=9

Pesticide Certification Training & Exam

March 15 - March 17, 2016
Albion, NY

Orleans County Pre-Exam Training to Become a Certified Pesticide Applicator Offered by LOF and NWNY teams, Orleans CCE, and DEC.
Training Classes:
When:  March 15 & March 17, 2016
            8:00am - 12:00pm
            Registration begins at 7:45am
Where: 12690 Rt 31, Albion, NY 14411
The Certification Exam is scheduled for March 24, 2016 @11am. Register directly with DEC to take the exam.

Effective Orchard Spraying

Event Offers DEC Credits

March 22, 2016
8:30am - 3:15pm
Albion, NY

Registration is Closed! This class is full sorry for any inconvenience.

Growers will understand how to improve their timeliness and therefore apply sprays when needed and not be forever chasing the calendar.  Correct application at the correct time will allow growers to make better use of their spray over the season.

Please pre-register as space is limited.



April 16

Worker Portection Standard & DEC Special Permit Training 2016

April 5, 2016 - April 6, 2016 : Work Protection Standard & DEC Special Permit Training Wayne Co. & Orleans Co.

DEC Special Permit allows non-certified workers to apply and handle federally restricted use pesticides.
A DEC Special Permit is valid for one year and needs to be renewed every year unless the pesticide applicator becomes certified. Please note there have been changes made to this training.  Click View Details below for more information.
Please pre-register your non-certified applicators for this training by April 1 using the registration form (click here).




May 16

No Events Scheduled at this Time



June 16

"Fruit Set" Thinning Meetings in Western NY

June 1, 2016
9:30am Wayne County; 2:30pm Orleans County

9:30 AM - Wayne County 

Datthyn Fruit Farm
6391 Hill Rd.
Sodus, NY 14551


2:30pm - Orleans County

HH Dobbins, Inc (RF Bentley Farm)
11670 Alps Rd.
Lyndonville, NY 14098

Click on details for more information

Two Day GAPS training in One Day

June 1, 2016
8:30AM - 9PM
Tyrone, NY

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Steuben County will be hosting a GAPs training and Farm Food Safety Plan Writing Workshop.

Date: Wednesday, June 1st, 2016
Time: 8:30AM - 9:00PM
Location: Tyrone Fire Hall, 3600 State Route 226, Tyrone, NY 14887
Cost: $20
Register with CCE Steuben by May 31, 2016 by calling 607-664-2300 or emailing Stephanie at sms64@cornell.edu
Click here for more information.

Commercial Cider Production Workshop

June 16, 2016
9AM - 3:30PM
Winchester, VA

When: Thursday, June 16th 9:00am - 3:30pm
Where: Alson H. Smith, Jr. Agricultural Research and Extension Center
595 Laurel Grove Road, Winchester, Virginia 22602
Who: Beginning & Established Commercial Cider Makers
Cost: $20.00 per person - (Registration Fee due by June 10th)

Mobile Consulate Visits from Guatemala & Mexico

June 24 - July 14, 2016
9am-4pm
Lansing, NY

Mobile Consulate Visits from Guatemala & Mexico
Mary Jo Dudley, Cornell Farmworker Program

The Cornell Farmworker Program is hosting visits of the
1) Guatemalan Mobile Consulate on Friday, June 24, 2016 to Lansing from 9am-4pm at All Saints Church (347 Ridge Road) and
2) the Mexican Mobile Consulate on July 12, 13, 14 , 2016 to Geneva (new location to be confirmed soon)

Please go to find attached the flyer for the Guatemalan Consulate visit with a list of required documents. Other visits of the Mexican Consulate are being planned for late summer and early fall but we do not have the details yet.


Mary Jo Dudley
Director of the Cornell Farmworker Program
Department of Development Sociology
275H Warren Hall
Cornell University
Ithaca, NY 14853
Tel: (607) 254-5194
Fax: (607) 255-9710
Email: farmworkers@cornell.edu
Website: Farmworkers.cornell.edu


Premier Apple Forum

June 27 - June 28, 2016
M Noon - 5, T 8AM-Noon
East Syracuse, NY

See attached registration form. Deadline is June 1.

For more info, contact Bill Dodd at bill@ohioapples.com, 440.670.2883


July 16

IFTA NY Study Tour 2016 will be in Western NY along with the Cornell Fruit Field Day

July 19 - July 21, 2016

Tour is full! No more spots are available for these tours.
July 19 - IFTA - Orleans County
July 20 - CFFD - NYSAES
July 21 - IFTA - Wayne County


Please visit the IFTA website for more information & registration for the Study Tour.
Please visit Cornell University College of Agriculture & Life Sciences website for more information & registration for the Cornell Fruit Field Day.


August 16

Online Sponsorship Opportunity (addition levels) for Washington State study tour

August 1 - August 5, 2016

Now sponsors of the Washington State study tour for next generation fruit growers can sponsor online via credit card.
Please click on view details for more information.

Online Sponsorship Opportunity for Washington State study tour for Next Generation Fruit Growers

August 1 - August 5, 2016

Now sponsors of the Washington State study tour for next generation fruit growers can sponsor online via credit card.
Please click on view details for more information.
These options can also be accessed by going to Sponsorship at bottom of page.

WPS Training Events/Mock Inspections

Event Offers DEC Credits

August 3 - August 4, 2016
9:30am - 12pm

WPS Training Event/Mock Inspections

3 August 9:30AM - 12PM - Orleans County
Brown's Berry Patch/Orchard Dale Fruit Farms
1313 Oak Orchard River Rd
Waterport, NY 14571

4 August 9:30AM - 12PM - Wayne County

KC Bailey Orchards, Inc.
7383 Salmon Creek Road
Williamson, NY 14589

For more information click on details

8th International Strawberry Symposium

August 13 - June 17, 2016
Quebec City, Canada,

In addition to a scientific symposium, there are technical tours and a grower-oriented concurrent session, called the Strawberry Tech Transfer Program.  For registration and other information click here.

Fruit Tour for Spanish-speaking Employees

August 13, 2016
1pm-5pm
Marion, NY

Fruit Tour for Spanish-speaking Employees
The CCE LOF team is organizing the first fruit summer tour for Spanish-speaking employees to be held in Wayne County from 1pm until 6:30pm on Saturday August 13, 2016. At each of the 4 tour stops participants will be hosted by a Spanish-speaking farmer or employee who has significant orchard experience by managing a modern apple orchard and/or a nursery operation. 

The tour is FREE for your employees but a pre-registration is required by Wednesday August 10. For registration, contact Kim R. Hazel krh5@cornell.edu, (585) 798-4265, ext. 26. For questions, contact Mario Miranda Sazo mrm67@cornell.edu, (315) 719-1318. 

Click view details for more information.



September 16

No Events Scheduled at this Time



October 16

No Events Scheduled at this Time



November 16

Labor Roadshow - Helping Agriculture Employers Stay Current on Employment Rules and Best Practices

November 15, 2016 : Elba Fireman's Rec Hall

November 16, 2016 : Hilton Garden Inn Auburn

November 17, 2016 : Holiday Inn Saratoga

November 18, 2016 : Ramada Watertown

This full day program, presented by The Agriculture Workforce Development Council, is for farm owners and managers to gain tools and information to help their farm business attract and retain skilled workers.
Presenters will include members of the Agricultural Workforce Development Council and leading experts on labor laws. 5 key areas that will be addressed are:
1. Basic rules & best practices for payroll, hours, hiring and termination
2. Workplace polices
3. Housing
4. Healthy & Safety
5. Documenting your policies, actions, and outcomes.
Cost: $45/person or $40/person for 2 or more from a farm. Please be prepared to pay cash/check at the door. Check in and payment: 9:30AM-9:50AM
Please preregister as walk-ins may not be accommodated due to expected high volume of attendance.
For more information and registration details see Labor Roadshow Details pdf. below.



December 16

No Events Scheduled at this Time



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

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Upcoming Events

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 NY Apple Pathology Season: Apple Scab Updates

Apple Scab 2026 Updates Text for news letters and videos:
https://blogs.cornell.edu/coxlab/


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/


SPARC Orchard Roundup Podcast

Check out the first SPARC Orchard Roundup episode. In less than 15 minutes you'll get a sense for what we are seeing across regions in terms of bud stage, flower bud phenology, return bloom, and bud survival. You'll also hear about how phenology varies north to south within each state, and some tips on what weather patterns this winter (past for some, still occurring for others) and spring contributed to what we are seeing.

Find and follow the SPARC Orchard Roundup podcast on your preferred platform. We are on Spotify, Apple, Podcast Index, Podcast Addict, Podchaser, Pocket Casts, Listen Notes, and Player FM.

For links to more ways to listen and the full article visit https://treefruit.wsu.edu/article/whats-budding-across-the-country/

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 - is full for additional testing opportunities contact URMC or NYCAMH

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

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.