18 Events - year view
previous yearJanuary 18
2018 Becker Forum: Farm Employment Practices - Planning for the Future
January 15, 2018
8:30 AM registration, 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Syracuse, NY
The 2018 Becker Forum will take place on Monday, January 15, one day prior to the opening of the Empire State Producers Expo. The forum will focus on agricultural workforce issues with three general themes: securing a legal agricultural workforce, labor law compliance and H-2A program topics.
2018 Empire State Producers EXPO
January 16 - January 18, 2018
1.25 hr sessions throughout each day
Syracuse, NY
The 2018 Empire State Producers Expo combines the major fruit, flower and vegetable associations of New York State in order to provide a comprehensive trade show and educational conference for New York producers, as well as the surrounding states and Eastern Canada.
FSMA Grower Training Courses
January 16 - January 20, 2018
Who Should Attend? Click here for FSMA Produce Safety Rule Timeline. Commercial fruit & vegetable growers who gross more than 500K/yr need to be in compliance for most produce by this January, January 2019 for >250K-500K, and January 2020 for >25K-250K.
Click view details for more info and registration links.
Click view details for more info and registration links.
Produce Grower Food Safety Training - FSMA and GAPs/HGAPs
January 30, 2018 : FSMA and GAPs/HGAPs Produce Safety Alliance Training Course
January 31, 2018 : Workshop on Farm Food Safety Plan Writing
This program is for fruit and vegetable growers who need Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) certification or GAPs/HGAPs (Good Agricultural Practices/ Harmonized Good Agricultural Practices) training required by buyers (i.e. 3rd-party food safety audits based on a written food safety plan) or if you are just interested in learning about produce safety.
Over the course of the training, certified Produce Safety Alliance trainers will cover content contained in these seven modules:
Over the course of the training, certified Produce Safety Alliance trainers will cover content contained in these seven modules:
- Introduction to Produce Safety
- Worker Health, Hygiene, and Training
- Soil Amendments
- Wildlife, Domesticated Animals, and Land Use
- Agricultural Water (Part I: Production Water; Part II: Postharvest Water)
- Postharvest Handling and Sanitation
- How to Develop a Farm Food Safety Plan
February 18
2018 Lake Ontario Winter Fruit School Lockport
February 5, 2018
8am - 4:30pm
Lockport, NY
Regional winter education meetings for commercial tree fruit & small fruit industries in Western NY.
2.75 DEC credits available.
Bring your DEC Applicator ID. If you need DEC credits, please arrive on time to sign the roster and plan to stay all day. DEC will not allow partial credit.
Click details for registration.
2.75 DEC credits available.
Bring your DEC Applicator ID. If you need DEC credits, please arrive on time to sign the roster and plan to stay all day. DEC will not allow partial credit.
Click details for registration.
2018 Lake Ontario Winter Fruit School
February 5, 2018 : Winter Fruit School Lockport
February 6, 2018 : Winter Fruit School Newark
2.75 DEC re-certification credits available the exact number is being determined
Bring your DEC Applicator ID. If you need DEC credits, please arrive on time to sign the roster and plan to stay all day. DEC will not allow partial credit.
Program (speakers & topics confirmed, order of presentations differs by day see agendas below)
Bring your DEC Applicator ID. If you need DEC credits, please arrive on time to sign the roster and plan to stay all day. DEC will not allow partial credit.
Program (speakers & topics confirmed, order of presentations differs by day see agendas below)
- Protected Culture: Low Tunnels, High Tunnels, Exclusion Netting and How to Control SWD in These Situations - Laura McDermott, CCE-ENYCHP
- Cherry Fruit Fly - Margaret Kelly, NYS Dept. of Ag & Mkts
- Launch of the New Precision Smart App - Poliana Francescatto & Jaume Lordan, Cornell
- IPM update - Tess Grasswitz, CCE-LOF
- FSMA Update/Requirements - Craig Kahlke, CCE-LOF
- Building a Fruiting Wall for Future Technology - Mario Miranda Sazo, CCE-LOF
- Orchard Soil Health - David Granatstein, WSU
- New York Apple Association—Marketing New York Apples (summary of promotional activities for 2017 crop year and NYAA's strategic work plan) - Cynthia Haskins, NYAA
- Labor Update - Brett Kast (Niagara County) & Liz Madison (Wayne County)
- Using Whole-Farm Revenue Protection with Yield Insurance for Fruit Production - Jenny Ifft, Cornell
- Importance of Bacterial Strains in Cultivar Response to Fire Blight - Awais Khan, Cornell
- Hail Netting: Is it Right for Your Farm? - Liz Higgins, CCE-ENYCHP
- Hispanic Worker Training - Kat McCarthy (Niagara County) & Anu Rangarajan (Wayne County), Cornell
- Orchard Weed Mgmt - Davis Granatstein, WSU
- Round Table Unanswered questions/discussion any of the day's talks
2018 Lake Ontario Winter Fruit School Newark
February 6, 2018
8am - 4:30pm
Newark, NY
Regional winter education meetings for commercial tree fruit & small fruit industries in Western NY.
2.75 DEC credits available.
Bring your DEC Applicator ID. If you need DEC credits, please arrive on time to sign the roster and plan to stay all day. DEC will not allow partial credit.
Check details for registration.
2.75 DEC credits available.
Bring your DEC Applicator ID. If you need DEC credits, please arrive on time to sign the roster and plan to stay all day. DEC will not allow partial credit.
Check details for registration.
The Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Convention
February 21 - February 22, 2018
Niagara Falls, ON
The Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Convention is an annual gathering of horticultural crop producers involved in the production of fruits and vegetables.
Postponed - Lake Ontario Fruit Team Communications Focus Group
February 27, 2018
AM - details TBA
Hilton, NY
This event has been postponed - registration will reopen when a new date is set.
Please join us and share your thoughts on how the Lake Ontario Fruit Team should best communicate with you, the stakeholders! Technology information overload is upon us - the Lake Ontario Fruit Team wants to use the platforms that best serve you best. We need your feedback and ideas!
Please join us and share your thoughts on how the Lake Ontario Fruit Team should best communicate with you, the stakeholders! Technology information overload is upon us - the Lake Ontario Fruit Team wants to use the platforms that best serve you best. We need your feedback and ideas!
Cider Tasting & Sensory Education for Apple Growers
February 27, 2018
Lunch - 12PM; Meeting - 1:00PM - 2:30PM (Communications Focus Group Meeting -AM)
Hilton, NY
This tasting, led by grower-cider makers from the Finger Lakes and Lake Ontario, will give an overview of the components of orchard-based cider, and illustrate why older varieties and cider apples are prized in fermentation.
Register by February 9, 2018.
Register by February 9, 2018.
March 18
Candidate Interviews for CCE-LOF Business Managment Position
March 2, 2018
All day (specific TBA)
Newark, NY
We have 2 strong candidates for this critical position. Please join us to hear their seminars, ask questions and evaluate the candidates that could be your future Business Management Fruit Specialist.
Pre-register by February 28, 2018.
Pre-register by February 28, 2018.
2018 Pre-Exam Training & Test to Become A Certified Pesticide Applicator
March 13 - March 19, 2018
Classes - March 13 & 15 from 8am - 12:30pm Test - March 19 from 9am - 12pm
Albion, NY
Pre-Exam Workshop - Pre-register by 26 Feb 2018 with Kim Hazel @ 585-798-4265 ext. 26.
March 13 & 15, 8am-12:30pm
Cost: $50 payable to CCE-Orleans Co.
Certification Exam - to register for exam or if you have questions contact: Justin Schoff @ 607-622-8290.
March 19, 9am-12pm
Cost: $100 payable to DEC
March 13 & 15, 8am-12:30pm
Cost: $50 payable to CCE-Orleans Co.
Certification Exam - to register for exam or if you have questions contact: Justin Schoff @ 607-622-8290.
March 19, 9am-12pm
Cost: $100 payable to DEC
FSMA 7 Hour Grower Training Course - Registration Closed
March 16, 2018
8AM - 5:15PM
Newark, NY
Registration Closed - Course Full
Save the Date: Friday, March 16, 2018
Cost & Registration: $70 per farm, maximum of 2 people/farm.
All of you should be aware of the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) signed into federal law by President Obama in 2011. I have been writing about it and offering courses for nearly 2 years. If you are not exempt from the Produce Safety Rule, one of the requirements is to take a 7-hour grower training course.
Click details for more information.
Save the Date: Friday, March 16, 2018
Cost & Registration: $70 per farm, maximum of 2 people/farm.
All of you should be aware of the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) signed into federal law by President Obama in 2011. I have been writing about it and offering courses for nearly 2 years. If you are not exempt from the Produce Safety Rule, one of the requirements is to take a 7-hour grower training course.
Click details for more information.
2018 CCE-LOF Spanish Winter Fruit Schools
March 16, 2018 : 2018 CCE - LOF Spanish Fruit School - Wayne
March 17, 2018 : 2018 CCE-LOF Spanish Fruit School - Orleans
March 16, 2018 - Our Lady of Guadalupe - Roman Catholic Church
March 17, 2018 - Orchard Dale Fruit Farm
Pre-register by March 12th
This years Spanish - speaking fruit school program will provide an indepth and current look at orchard horticulture, pests, hard cider, as well as a review of skills for success and management.
March 17, 2018 - Orchard Dale Fruit Farm
Pre-register by March 12th
This years Spanish - speaking fruit school program will provide an indepth and current look at orchard horticulture, pests, hard cider, as well as a review of skills for success and management.
2018 Pruning Workshop of Apple Orchards in Oswego
March 21, 2018
1:30-4pm
Mexico, NY
Modern pruning techniques of young and mature high density plantings, how to correct/improve "bushy" canopies.
Apple Crop Insurance Plan for Information Collection Listening Sessions
March 21, 2018 : Monroe County
March 23, 2018 : Ulster County
Apple Crop Insurance Plan Information Collection
Listening Sessions for Growers, Insurance Co. Staff & Agents
Agralytica of Alexandria, Virginia is conducting a review of the apple insurance plan on behalf of the USDA's Risk Management Agency (RMA). As part of the review, Agralytica staff will hold listening sessions with growers, insurance staff and other interested parties in several states. For New York, the sessions will be on March 21 in Rochester and March 23 in Highland. Participants from New England states are also welcome at the Highland session.
Listening Sessions for Growers, Insurance Co. Staff & Agents
Agralytica of Alexandria, Virginia is conducting a review of the apple insurance plan on behalf of the USDA's Risk Management Agency (RMA). As part of the review, Agralytica staff will hold listening sessions with growers, insurance staff and other interested parties in several states. For New York, the sessions will be on March 21 in Rochester and March 23 in Highland. Participants from New England states are also welcome at the Highland session.
April 18
2018 Worker Protection Standard Training & DEC Special Permit Training (Wayne County)
April 4, 2018
8:30 AM - 12:30 PM English Session / 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM Spanish Session
Newark, NY
Just like last year, Special Permits (SP) will only be issued for 11 specific pesticide labels and SP trainees will have to pass a test. This will relieve the certified pesticide applicator from "on-site within voice contact" supervision of non-certified pesticide applicators when they are handling federally-restricted-use pesticides for which they hold a Special Permit. The labels that will be covered include Lorsban Advanced, Endigo ZC, Warrior II with Zeon Technology, Agri-Mek SC, Beseige, Gramoxone SL 2.0, Leverage 360, Danitol 2.4EC, Mustang Maxx, Asana XL, and Lannate LV.
Workers requiring general pesticide training/Agricultural Worker Protection Standard Handler training who do not need special permits are welcome to take the class; they will not be tested and will receive a course participation certificate.
Workers requiring general pesticide training/Agricultural Worker Protection Standard Handler training who do not need special permits are welcome to take the class; they will not be tested and will receive a course participation certificate.
Statewide Honeycrisp Sensory Evaluation - Niagara/Orleans & Eastern NY Blocks
April 4, 2018
10 AM - 2 PM
Geneva, NY
Growers and collaborators,
As most of you know, I've been working on a statewide precision harvest management experiment, that is a continuation of Terence Robinson's work with some modifications. It focuses on Honeycrisp within the 3 main production regions of the state, in which all of some of you were involved.
The main goal of this experiment is to develop guidelines for precision harvest management by determining if Honeycrisp orchards can be evaluated at harvest for storage potential using fruit dry matter content, fruit mineral (peel and flesh) content, the DA meter, and piecing together complex block histories and cultural practices.
As most of you know, I've been working on a statewide precision harvest management experiment, that is a continuation of Terence Robinson's work with some modifications. It focuses on Honeycrisp within the 3 main production regions of the state, in which all of some of you were involved.
The main goal of this experiment is to develop guidelines for precision harvest management by determining if Honeycrisp orchards can be evaluated at harvest for storage potential using fruit dry matter content, fruit mineral (peel and flesh) content, the DA meter, and piecing together complex block histories and cultural practices.
2018 Worker Protection Standard Training & DEC Special Permit Training (Orleans County)
April 5, 2018
8:30 AM - 12:00 PM English & Spanish sessions
Albion, NY
Just like last year, Special Permits (SP) will only be issued for 11 specific pesticide labels and SP trainees will have to pass a test. This will relieve the certified pesticide applicator from "on-site within voice contact" supervision of non-certified pesticide applicators when they are handling federally-restricted-use pesticides for which they hold a Special Permit. The labels that will be covered include Lorsban Advanced, Endigo ZC, Warrior II with Zeon Technology, Agri-Mek SC, Beseige, Gramoxone SL 2.0, Leverage 360, Danitol 2.4EC, Mustang Maxx, Asana XL, and Lannate LV.
Workers requiring general pesticide training/Agricultural Worker Protection Standard Handler training who do not need special permits are welcome to take the class; they will not be tested and will receive a course participation certificate.
Workers requiring general pesticide training/Agricultural Worker Protection Standard Handler training who do not need special permits are welcome to take the class; they will not be tested and will receive a course participation certificate.
Statewide Honeycrisp Sensory Evaluation - Wayne County Blocks
April 5, 2018
10 AM - 2 PM
Geneva, NY
Growers and collaborators,
As most of you know, I've been working on a statewide precision harvest management experiment, that is a continuation of Terence Robinson's work with some modifications. It focuses on Honeycrisp within the 3 main production regions of the state, in which all of some of you were involved.
The main goal of this experiment is to develop guidelines for precision harvest management by determining if Honeycrisp orchards can be evaluated at harvest for storage potential using fruit dry matter content, fruit mineral (peel and flesh) content, the DA meter, and piecing together complex block histories and cultural practices.
As most of you know, I've been working on a statewide precision harvest management experiment, that is a continuation of Terence Robinson's work with some modifications. It focuses on Honeycrisp within the 3 main production regions of the state, in which all of some of you were involved.
The main goal of this experiment is to develop guidelines for precision harvest management by determining if Honeycrisp orchards can be evaluated at harvest for storage potential using fruit dry matter content, fruit mineral (peel and flesh) content, the DA meter, and piecing together complex block histories and cultural practices.
May 18
FSMA 7 Hour Grower Training Course Plus optional 2nd Day Farm Food Safety Plan Writing Workshop
May 2, 2018 : FSMA 7 Hour Grower Training Course
May 3, 2018 : Optional Farm Food Safety Plan Writing Workshop
This program is for fruit and vegetable growers who need Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) certification or GAPs/HGAPs (Good Agricultural Practices/ Harmonized Good Agricultural Practices) training required by buyers (i.e. 3rd-party food safety audits based on a written food safety plan) or if you are just interested in learning about produce safety.
Over the course of the training, certified Produce Safety Alliance trainers will cover content contained in these seven modules:
Over the course of the training, certified Produce Safety Alliance trainers will cover content contained in these seven modules:
- Introduction to Produce Safety
- Worker Health, Hygiene, and Training
- Soil Amendments
- Wildlife, Domesticated Animals, and Land Use
- Agricultural Water (Part I: Production Water; Part II: Postharvest Water)
- Postharvest Handling and Sanitation
- How to Develop a Farm Food Safety Plan
June 18
2018 CCE LOF PGR Orchard Tour
June 29, 2018
8am - 1:30pm; lunch & celebration 2-5pm
Geneva, NY
We invite you to attend the talk titled "Understanding the Use of Plant Growth Regulators (PGRs) on Growth and Development of Fruit Trees" (Poliana Francescatto, NYSAES, Geneva), followed by a tour of her research plots at the NYSAES on Friday June 29, from 8am until 1:30pm. Following the tour, there will be a lunch buffet and a grower celebration to honor Poliana's work accomplishments at the Ramada Lakefront Hotel in Geneva from 2-5pm. Pre-register by 25 June 2018
View Details for more information and registration.
July 18
LOF Summer Fruit Tour 2018
July 12, 2018
All Day
Register now for this free annual tour featuring cutting edge farms. Annual tour featuring the following cutting edge farms: Smith Brothers, VanDeWalle Fruit Farm, and Cherry Lawn Farms. Attendees will see tree decline on NY-1, a successful On-farm nursery, large new tall spindle plantings of high-value varieties, the economics of new high density plantings, hail-netting, soil health, and more!
Register by July 10th!
August 18
LOF NextGen Young Fruit Farmer Study Tour 2018
August 2 - August 4, 2018
Thursday August 2 morning through Saturday August 4 evening
Gettysburg, PA
Online Registration is Now Open for NextGen Young Fruit Grower Study Tour in PA, August 2-4!
The 3rd annual NextGen Young Fruit Farmer Study Tour will be held in the Adams County region of Pennsylvania August 2nd-4th.
The Young Growers Alliance (YGA) of Pennsylvania, the LOF team, the Future Fruit Growers of Lake Ontario, along with Matt Wells (New York Apple Sales), have organized an excellent itinerary.
The study tour is focused on helping next generation growers develop the knowledge and skills needed to take their family farms into the future.
Online registration is now open! Click "View Details" for more information about the event and to register!
If you do not receive a confirmation email after submitting the registration form, please contact Mark at mw883@cornell.edu or 315-272-8530!
Western NY Hard Cider Tour - Online Registration is Closed
August 6, 2018
9am-3pm; 3:30pm Optional cider tasting at Mullers Cider House
Wolcott, NY
Limited walk-ins accepted. Please call Craig at 585-735-5448.
Come visit the orchards of the first NY growers of European and American Hard Cider varieties.
Tour will include 2 farms and 1 nursery in Wayne County, ending (optional) with a tasting at Mullers Cider House, Rochester. The tour & lunch are $5 with registration has been extended to Aug 2nd.Fresh Market Vegetable Grading & Packing Workshop
August 21, 2018
2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Deposit, NY
Are you interested in farm to school or selling to institutional markets? Maybe you'd like to know more about grading and packing your fresh market produce right in the field? CCE Broome County, in partnership with the CCE Cornell Vegetable Program and the Cornell Baskets to Pallets program, is offering a hands-on, on-farm experience designed to prepare farms in NY, both beginning and experienced, to enter new markets.
2018 CCE LOF Hispanic Summer Fruit Tour - Registration Period Extended!
August 25, 2018
1:30pm - 5:30pm
Preregistration is required for this FREE event. This tour of 2 Wanye County orchards will include horticultural stops hosted by Adan Aguilera form VanDeWalle Fruit Farm and Hormisa Bellona and Ignacio "Nacho" Onofre form Teeple Fruit Farm.
September 18
Cornell Fruit Pest Control Field Days & Networking Lunch with Industry
September 6 - September 7, 2018
8:30am - Registration
The Cornell Fruit Pest Control Field Days will take place during Labor Day week on Sept. 6-7 this year, with the Geneva portion taking place on Thursday Sept. 6, and the Hudson Valley installment on the second day, Friday, Sept. 7.
USDA-ARS Apple, Grape, and Tart Cherry Germplasm Collection Tour
September 15, 2018
9 AM - 11 AM
Geneva, NY
A tour through the orchard and vineyard discussing the fruit germplasm collection.
Click view details for more information.
October 18
Using Unmanned Aircraft in the Orchard
October 20, 2018
Orleans County 10-30am - NOON; Wayne County 1:30pm - 3:30pm
Free Drone Orchard Use Workshop on 20 October 2018
Same Informative Drone Workshop Offered at 2 Different Locations
10:30am - Noon @ Lamont Fruit Farm
1:30pm - 3:30pm @ VanDeWalle Fruit Farm
View Details for registration information.
November 18
2018 Cornell Agribusiness Strategic Marketing Conference
November 7 - November 8, 2018
Developing your brand and marketing strategies to increase sales.
For more info. click details or for registration, and agenda visit: https://dyson.cornell.edu/outreach/strategic-marketing-conference.html
94th Annual Cumberland-Shenandoah Fruit Workers Conference
November 29 - November 30, 2018
NA
Winchester, VA
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 2 IS THE DEADLINE FOR DISCOUNTED PRE-REGISTRATION ($70) AND SUBMISSION OF PRESENTATION TITLES.
Other important dates to remember:
• November 14: Pre-registration deadline. Onsite registration only after this date.
• November 15: Hotel reservation deadline for the discounted conference rate.
Other important dates to remember:
• November 14: Pre-registration deadline. Onsite registration only after this date.
• November 15: Hotel reservation deadline for the discounted conference rate.
December 18
FREE NY Pollinator Habitat Short Course register ASAP to receive all course materials
December 6, 2018
9:30 AM - 3:00 PM
Newark, NY
This full day workshop will focus on concepts around protecting and enhancing populations of pollinators, especially bees, in agricultural landscapes. The course will provide an overview of bee natural history and farm practices that support pollinators, such as protecting and creating habitat, modified horticultural practices, and advice on how to manage pests while protecting pollinators.
Apples
Apricots
Asian Pears
Blueberries
Cherries
Currants
Gooseberries
Nectarines
Peaches
Pears
Plums
Raspberries / Blackberries
Strawberries
Unusual Fruit
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.