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

Enrollee Login

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

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Online Enrollment Form

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Online Enrollment Form

Events - month view

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April 2019

Respirator Fit Testing Clinics in WNY/Finger Lakes 2019

April 2 - May 16, 2019
Appointment by schedule only; SCHEDULING BEGINS 4-5 wks before the clinic date

During the clinics NYCAMH will provide medical evaluations; respirator fit tests; and WPS compliant trainings on how to properly inspect, put on, take off, fit, seal check, use, clean, maintain, and store respirators. Clinic appointments are one hour long, and groups of 4 workers can be seen at a time.

An Intro to Tree Fruit IPM

Event Offers DEC Credits

April 3, 2019
1:00pm - 3:30pm
Plattsburgh, NY

An Intro to Tree Fruit IPM
Have farm employees that need re-certification credits? We will be covering the basics of integrated pest management, including how to monitor traps, evaluate insect thresholds, and use prediction models to better manage common orchard pests of Northern New York.

2019 Worker Protection Standard Training & DEC Special Permit Training (Wayne County)

April 9, 2019
8:30 AM - 12:30 PM English Session / 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM Spanish Session
Newark, NY

2019 Worker Protection Standard Training & DEC Special Permit Training (Wayne County)
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.

2019 Worker Protection Standard Training & DEC Special Permit Training (Orleans County)

April 10, 2019
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM English & Spanish sessions
Albion, NY

2019 Worker Protection Standard Training & DEC Special Permit Training (Orleans County)
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.

FSMA/PSA Grower Food Safety Training Course and Food Safety Plan Writing Workshop

April 23, 2019 : FSMA/PSA Grower Food Safety Training Course

April 24, 2019 : Food Safety Plan Writing Workshop

Day 1: FSMA/PSA Grower Food Safety Training Course
- A grower training course developed by the Produce Safety Alliance (PSA) that meets the regulatory requirements of the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Produce Safety Rule.  This one-day training is a requirement for farms growing more than $25,000 worth of fruits and vegetables.

Day 2: Food Safety Plan Writing Workshop
- A hands-on workshop that will help growers write a Food Safety plan that will allow the farm to be certified through the Good Agricultural Practice program (GAP).  This fay of the training is optional, but you must have completed a FSMA/PSA training to attend this portion of the two-day course. 

The NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets is underwriting the cost of the training manuals and the course certificates for all NYS residents that attend the FSMA/PSA Training (Day 1).  If you are NOT a NYS resident, you will be charged an additional $50/manual and $35/certificate on the day of the course. 

Cornell Organic Symposium

April 24, 2019
1pm - 5pm
Ithaca, NY

Cornell Organic Symposium
This year the Symposium will have a weed management theme and feature weed ecologist Chuck Mohler as keynote speaker. Similar to last year, the Symposium will include a poster session (with snacks!).

Last Monday Grant Webinar for Fruit and Vegetable Growers - April

April 29, 2019
12:00-1:00

To help disseminate information on grants on a more consistent basis, we will be offering a "current grants" webinar on the last Monday of every month at noon

In order to help focus the program, the webinars will be limited to grants that are relevant to fruit and vegetable farmers in Eastern New York.

There is a possibility of webinars related to grants for experimental crops (i.e. hops and hemp) if it is likely that fruit and vegetable growers would be interested.

CleanSweepNY Spring 2019 - NYSDEC Region 9

April 30 - May 2, 2019
Call to Schedule
Multiple Locations, NY

CleanSweepNY Spring 2019 - NYSDEC Region 9
Spring 2019 CleanSweepNY collection event that will target the following counties within NYSDEC's Region 9: Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Niagara and Wyoming.

The deadline for registration is Friday, April 12th so please request and send in the completed registration form quickly.

May 2019

Last Monday Grant Webinar for Fruit and Vegetable Growers - May

May 27, 2019
12:00-1:00

To help disseminate information on grants on a more consistent basis, we will be offering a "current grants" webinar on the last Monday of every month at noon

In order to help focus the program, the webinars will be limited to grants that are relevant to fruit and vegetable farmers in Eastern New York.

There is a possibility of webinars related to grants for experimental crops (i.e. hops and hemp) if it is likely that fruit and vegetable growers would be interested.

June 2019

Ag Manager Webinar Series: Understanding the Time Value of Money

June 4, 2019
12:30 - 12:50pm

Join Liz Higgins from the CCE ENYCHP every other Tuesday at 12:30pm throughout the summer as she discusses pertinent business topics for busy farm managers. 

Ag Manager Webinar Series: Making Capital Investment Decisions

June 18, 2019
12:30 - 12:50pm

Join Liz Higgins from the CCE ENYCHP every other Tuesday at 12:30pm throughout the summer as she discusses pertinent business topics for busy farm managers.

Indoor Horticultural Training for Hispanic Employees & Middle Managers

June 20, 2019
Wayne Co - 8:30am-11am; Orleans Co - 1pm-3:30pm

This free training will consist of an intensive two and a half hours training for Hispanic employees and middle managers in Wayne and Orleans County next week (same program at boths locations, am and pm, same day). The program is intended to continue improving technical, human resource, and leadership skills of Western NY Hispanic orchard employees.

Last Monday Grant Webinar for Fruit and Vegetable Growers - June

June 24, 2019
12:00-1:00

To help disseminate information on grants on a more consistent basis, we will be offering a "current grants" webinar on the last Monday of every month at noon

In order to help focus the program, the webinars will be limited to grants that are relevant to fruit and vegetable farmers in Eastern New York.

There is a possibility of webinars related to grants for experimental crops (i.e. hops and hemp) if it is likely that fruit and vegetable growers would be interested.

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
view calendar of events

Upcoming Events

Cornell and New York Cider Association's Hard Cider Tours (Attendees)

July 28 - July 29, 2026 : Cornell Research and Lab Testing Updates and New York Cider Association's Hard Cider Tours
Ithaca, NY



Online registration closed.  Want to know if there are still spots available?  Email or call/text Craig Kahlke at cjk37@cornell.edu, 585-735-5448.




Registration Error using FireFox Browser?

If you're experiencing a registration error while using Firefox, please use a different browser. If you don't have one installed, download one of the following and then copy and paste this link into the browser's address bar: https://lof.cce.cornell.edu/event.php?id=2233

  • Google Chrome: Download the official setup client directly via the official Google Chrome Download Page.
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Join Cornell & the New York Cider Association for: 

July 28 (PM) Tours and Updates on Cornell Research and Lab Testing at both Cornell Orchards in Ithaca and Lansing. There is are snack options at South Hill Cidery (attendees pay)

July 29 (all Day) - Annual New York Cider Summer Tour at about 5 cideries, including lunch at Finger Lakes Cider House (included in registration) .  Also includes bus for the first 30 registrants.


There is a discounted hotel block at the Courtyard by Marriott Ithaca Airport/University for 169.00 USD - 179.00 USD per night 

 Last Day to Book : Sunday, July 12, 2026

Start Date: Tuesday, July 28, 2026

End Date: Wednesday, July 29, 2026

Hotel(s) offering your special group rate: See Cornell and New York Cider Association's Hard Cider Tours details below for the hotel and registration links.

Book your group rate for New York Cider Association They must enter the code: NYCNYCA in the "corporate/promo" area of your Marriott Bonvoy App if guests are making reservations through that app


2026 Apple Socials

July 17, 2026 : Orleans County - Apple Social
Lyndonville, NY

Apple Socials Return for a Third Year, proudly sponsored by Valent and American Fruit Grower magazine.

July 29, 2026 : Wayne County - Apple Social
Williamson, NY

Please join us at this casual networking event for all apple industry folks from Western NY, proudly sponsored by Valent. 

Cornell Fruit Field Day

July 30, 2026
Geneva, NY

Online registration closed.  Want to know if there are still spots available?  Email or call/text Craig Kahlke at cjk37@cornell.edu, 585-735-5448.


Join Cornell researchers in Geneva for Fruit Field Day, returning after 10 years, to tour research plots, learn from experts—including Dr. Terence Robinson with 40+ years in tree fruit research—and explore the latest orchard technologies and practices. At the catered lunch, network with industry, and visit sponsor displays and equipment. Our keynote speaker is Commissioner of Agriculture Richard Ball. DEC credits available.

Announcements

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

17 Jul - Orleans Apple Social - 5:30 - 9pm, Lyndonville, please RSVP

28-29 Jul -  Cornell and New York Cider Association's Hard Cider Tours - Ithaca Area

29 Jul - Wayne Apple Social - 6 - 9pm, Williamson, registration open

30 Jul - 2026  Cornell Fruit Field Day 

11-12 Aug - NASGA Summer Tour - Spokane, WA, registration open

19 Aug - 2026 Western NY Apple Storage Workshop- 1-4pm, Ogden, Register by 17 Aug





Registration Error using FireFox Browser?

Registration Error using FireFox Browser?

If you're experiencing a registration error while using Firefox, please use a different browser. If you don't have one installed, download one of the following and then copy and paste this link into the browser's address bar:
 Cornell Fruit Field Day - https://lof.cce.cornell.edu/event.php?id=2208

Google Chrome: Download the official setup client directly via the official Google Chrome Download Page.
Microsoft Edge: Download the modern Chromium-based installer directly from the official Microsoft Edge Download Page.


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

2026 International Virtual Orchard Meetup Series Playlist Link


Cornell Statewide Pink Meeting Recording - https://youtu.be/cnQtklNa1i4


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:




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/

2026 NY Apple Pathology Season: Apple Scab Updates

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


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 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/


NEWA weather stations moving to a new dashboard!

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



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.