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:
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Events - month view

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December 2019

(Program Cancelled) Understanding Farm Taxes and the Schedule F for Beginners

December 4, 2019
Cancelled
Cobleskill, NY

We have cancelled the tax program due to low pre-enrollment.

Reduced Tillage on Muck Soils: Results from Two Years of Squash Trials

Event Offers DEC Credits

December 5, 2019
10:15am-1:00pm
Pine Island, NY

Reduced Tillage on Muck Soils: Results from Two Years of Squash Trials
ENYCH Vegetable Specialists Ethan Grundberg and Chuck Bornt will discuss results from two years of trialing different cover crop and tillage combinations on muck soil to suppress weeds and harvest cleaner squash.

A complimentary catered lunch will be provided after the program.

Effective Management of Farm Employees: Two-Day Master Class December 9-10 in Orleans County

December 9 - December 10, 2019
10am-4pm
Albion, NY

The Effective Management of Farm Employees Master Class is for you if you are a new farm owner or farm manager or you want to improve your skills in HR management. This program will give you the skills you need to effectively hire, train and supervise your farm's employees. The class will be conducted at the Orleans County CCE office on December 9th & 10th.

2019 Lake Ontario Fruit Advisory Meeting

December 12, 2019
tentatively 9:30am-3:30pm
Spencerport, NY

Please join us for our annual winter advisory meeting where you can spend time with the Lake Ontario Fruit Program team reviewing the team's educational programs and most importantly providing us feedback. Advisory meetings are important for the team to ensure that our programs and research are aligned with the industry's needs.

December Second- to - Last Monday Grant Webinar for Fruit and Vegetable Growers

December 23, 2019
4:00 pm

Are you curious about what grants are available to help your farm business?

To help disseminate information on grants on a consistent basis, ENYCH is offering a "current grants" webinar on the last Monday of every month at 4:00pm.  The December webinar will take place on Dec 23 - the second to last Monday, because of the winter holidays.

Each month's webinar focuses on 1 grant.  The December webinar topic is TBD.

January 2020

ENYCH Listed Event

Introduction to Winter Growing Webinar

January 2, 2020
6:00pm - 7:00pm
Webinar

Join vegetable specialists Elisabeth Hodgdon (ENYCHP) and Judson Reid (Cornell Vegetable Program) for a webinar on winter vegetable production in high tunnels.

Produce Safety Alliance Grower Training Course - Albion

Event Offers DEC Credits

January 9, 2020
8am registration/refreshments, program begins promptly at 8:30am - 5:30pm, lunch provided
Orlean County Cooperative Extension
Albion, NY

Produce Safety Alliance Grower Training Course - Albion

Who Should Attend

Fruit and vegetable growers and others interested in learning about produce safety, the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Produce Safety Rule, Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs), and co-management of natural resources and food safety. The PSA Grower Training Course is one way to satisfy the FSMA Produce Safety Rule requirement outlined in § 112.22(c) that requires ‘At least one supervisor or responsible party for your farm must have successfully completed food safety training at least equivalent to that received under standardized curriculum recognized as adequate by the Food and Drug Administration.'
8am registration/refreshments, program begins promptly at 8:30am, lunch is provided, meeting adjourns at 5:30pm. Note the reduced registration thanks to grant funds from the New York State Department of Agriculture & Markets and the Niagara County Farm to School Program!

ENYCH Listed Event

Apple IPM :: Basics for Orchard Employees

January 10, 2020
1:00pm - 3:30pm
CCE Saratoga County
Ballston Spa, NY

Have farm employees that need recertification 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.

We will also discuss IPM tactics for managing apple scab, fire blight, obliquebanded leafroller, apple maggot, and some common weeds in the orchard.

2020 Empire State Producers Expo, Berry Sessions

Event Offers DEC Credits

January 13 - January 16, 2020
All Day - Jan 14-16, Becker Forum is Jan 13, PSA Grower Training Course is Jan 14
OnCenter
Syracuse, NY

This annual show 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 neighboring states and Eastern Canada. In years past over 100 presentations were given by Cornell Cooperative Extension personnel and highly regarded speakers from across the country. Panel discussions feature some of the top industry experts and growers in New York. Between educational sessions, attendees can visit the trade show featuring over 150 commercial vendors and non-profit exhibitors.

2020 Empire State Producers Expo, Becker Forum, PSA Grower Training Course

Event Offers DEC Credits

January 13 - January 16, 2020
All Day - Jan 14-16, Becker Forum is Jan 13, PSA Grower Training Course is Jan 14
OnCenter
Syracuse, NY

This annual show 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 neighboring states and Eastern Canada. In years past over 100 presentations were given by Cornell Cooperative Extension personnel and highly regarded speakers from across the country. Panel discussions feature some of the top industry experts and growers in New York. Between educational sessions, attendees can visit the trade show featuring over 150 commercial vendors and non-profit exhibitors.

Apple IPM Intensive Workshop - A Certificate Program - At the 2020 Empire Producer's Expo

Event Offers DEC Credits

January 15 - January 16, 2020
Wednesday 2pm - 5pm, Thursday 9am - 12pm (see agenda for details)
OnCenter
Syracuse, NY

See details for detailed time and topic agenda. 

ENYCH Listed Event

Precision Pruning for Apple Crop Load Management

January 30, 2020
1:30pm - 3:00pm
CCE Clinton County
Plattsburgh, NY

Crop load management begins well ahead of petal fall!

Join Mike Basedow as he reviews preliminary results from the 2019 Champlain Valley precision pruning trials and offers some suggestions on how commercial orchards can incorporate these principles into their own pruning program heading into the 2020 growing season.

February 2020

2020 Lake Ontario Winter Fruit School

Event Offers DEC Credits

February 3, 2020 : Winter Fruit School Lockport
8am Sign In, 8:30am - ~430pm
CCE Niagara in Lockport
Lockport, NY

2020 Lake Ontario Winter Fruit School

This all day event provides 2 near-identical programs available on the West and East sides of Rochester on consecutive days.  We are featuring an intensive Precision Honeycrisp management school in addition to updates on Labor, Fruit Farm Business Summary, as well as pests and diseases, including European Cherry Fruit Fly.

2020 Lake Ontario Winter Fruit School

Event Offers DEC Credits

February 4, 2020 : Winter Fruit School Farmington
8am Sign In, 8:30am - ~430pm
Finger Lakes Hotel
Farmington, NY

2020 Lake Ontario Winter Fruit School

This all day event provides 2 near-identical programs available on the West and East sides of Rochester on consecutive days.  We are featuring an intensive Precision Honeycrisp school in addition to updates on Labor, Fruit Farm Business Summary, as well as pests and diseases, including European Cherry Fruit Fly.

ENYCH Listed Event

High Tunnel Tomato Production Farmer to Farmer Workshop-Poughkeepsie

February 4, 2020
8:50am - 3:30pm
Poughkeepsie Farm Project
Poughkeepsie, NY

High Tunnel Tomato Production Farmer to Farmer Workshop-Poughkeepsie

Join us for a day-long program featuring grower presentations, small group discussions and demonstrations, and extension presentations focused on a number of production topics.  These will include fertility management, injection systems, grafting, variety selection, pruning, trellising systems, pest and disease management, and more!

In-Depth Strawberry Substrate Workshop

February 11 - February 13, 2020
Check-In & Refreshments 8AM, Program starts promptly at 8:30AM, Adjourns ~5PM
Moakley House, Cornell University
Ithaca, NY

Growing strawberries in substrate (soil-less media) can help prevent soil-borne diseases. It can also increase yields, improve quality, and reduce the costs associated with pesticides, fertilizer, and water.

ENYCH Listed Event

High Tunnel Tomato Production Farmer to Farmer Workshop-Saratoga

February 12, 2020
10:00am - 3:30pm
CCE Saratoga
Ballston Spa, NY

Join us for a day-long program featuring grower presentations, small group discussions and demonstrations, and extension presentations focused on a number of production topics.  These will include fertility management, injection systems, grafting, variety selection, pruning, trellising systems, pest and disease management, and more.

ENYCH Listed Event

Creating Pollinator Habitat: How Do I Plant It?

February 18, 2020
12:00pm - 12:45
webinar

Pollinator habitats are in the news, but how exactly do you create one? 

We cover some installation methods that we have tried and discuss benefits and costs. 

ENYCH Listed Event

Diversifying Production on Small Farms - A Webinar Series about Opportunities

February 20, 2020 : Feb 20 - Basics of Mushroom Production
6:00pm - 7:00pm
Webinar

February 20 - Basics of Mushroom Production - Steve Gabriel, Specialty Mushrooms and Agroforestry Specialist, Cornell Small Farms.  Mushrooms are an emerging niche crop with many benefits, including improving farmer stewardship of forested lands and the ability to offer a unique and highly desired product. Steve will introduce students to mushrooms that can be easily grown in the woods. 

ENYCH Listed Event

2020 ENYCHP Fruit & Vegetable Conference

February 25 - February 26, 2020
The Desmond Hotel & Conference Center
Albany, NY

2020 ENYCHP Fruit & Vegetable Conference

Join us for two days filled with informative sessions on Tree Fruit, Vegetables, Small Fruit, Grapes, Hemp, and more!

ENYCH Listed Event

Produce Safety Alliance Grower Training Course

Event Offers DEC Credits

February 25, 2020
8:00am - 5:00pm
The Desmond Hotel & Conference Center
Albany, NY

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.  At least one person per farm producing more than $25,000 worth of fruits and vegetables must attend this course once.  Participants will receive a certificate of course completion by the Association of Food and Drug Officials.

ENYCH Listed Event

COPY - 2020 ENYCHP Fruit & Vegetable Conference

February 25 - February 26, 2020
The Desmond Hotel & Conference Center
Albany, NY

COPY - 2020 ENYCHP Fruit & Vegetable Conference

Join us for two days filled with informative sessions on Tree Fruit, Vegetables, Small Fruit, Grapes, Hemp, and more!

ENYCH Listed Event

COPY - 2020 ENYCHP Fruit & Vegetable Conference

February 25 - February 26, 2020
The Desmond Hotel & Conference Center
Albany, NY

Join us for two days filled with informative sessions on Tree Fruit, Vegetables, Small Fruit, Grapes, Hemp, and more!

ENYCH Listed Event

Diversifying Production on Small Farms - A Webinar Series about Opportunities

February 27, 2020 : February 27 - Basics of Nut Production
6:00pm - 7:00pm
Webinar

February 27 - Cracking Into NYS Nut Production - Sam Bosco, PhD candidate, School of Integrated Plant Science, Cornell.  

Interested in learning about a valuable, highly nutritious food crop that grows well on marginal land and helps combat climate change? Go nuts! Temperate nuts are an emerging crop with a powerful potential for the future of sustainable NYS agriculture. Get introduced to the basics of growing nuts and receive an overview of the nut-work of people planting the seeds of a new industry. 

 

ENYCH Listed Event

Hands-on Pruning Demonstration with Dr. Terence Robinson - Capital Region

February 27, 2020
Indian Ladder Farms
Altamont, NY

Hands-on Pruning Demonstration with Dr. Terence Robinson - Capital Region

Join us for a morning of hands-on pruning discussion and demonstration with Dr. Terence Robinson.  Terence will walk us through the key steps of pruning the tall spindle orchard, and will also review pruning techniques for other orchard systems commonly grown across the Capital Region. Please note this meeting will be held the morning following our annual winter conference in Albany.

 

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 Tree Fruit Scouting Online Course

Event Offers DEC Credits

February 25, 2026 : Week 1 - IPM Fundamentals + Tools

This course trains tree fruit growers, orchard employees, industry professionals and interested students on the biology, identification and monitoring of major economically significant orchard pests, using an integrated pest management (IPM) approach. This course is FREE and provides an annual opportunity for growers to refresh their knowledge in advance of the growing season.  Register by February 18th.


Event Offers DEC Credits

March 4, 2026 : Week 2 - Insects: Part 1

This course trains tree fruit growers, orchard employees, industry professionals and interested students on the biology, identification and monitoring of major economically significant orchard pests, using an integrated pest management (IPM) approach. This course is FREE and provides an annual opportunity for growers to refresh their knowledge in advance of the growing season.  Register by February 18th.


Event Offers DEC Credits

March 11, 2026 : Week 3 - Insects: Part 2

This course trains tree fruit growers, orchard employees, industry professionals and interested students on the biology, identification and monitoring of major economically significant orchard pests, using an integrated pest management (IPM) approach. This course is FREE and provides an annual opportunity for growers to refresh their knowledge in advance of the growing season.  Register by February 18th.


Event Offers DEC Credits

March 18, 2026 : Week 4 - Diseases

This course trains tree fruit growers, orchard employees, industry professionals and interested students on the biology, identification and monitoring of major economically significant orchard pests, using an integrated pest management (IPM) approach. This course is FREE and provides an annual opportunity for growers to refresh their knowledge in advance of the growing season.  Register by February 18th.


Event Offers DEC Credits

March 25, 2026 : Week 5 - Weeds, Wildlife, + Wrap-Up

This course trains tree fruit growers, orchard employees, industry professionals and interested students on the biology, identification and monitoring of major economically significant orchard pests, using an integrated pest management (IPM) approach. This course is FREE and provides an annual opportunity for growers to refresh their knowledge in advance of the growing season.  Register by February 18th.

Pesticide Applicator Review Course & Exam

March 24, 2026 : Review Course - Day 1
Newark, NY

This 2-day course will go over the core information to help applicators pass the applicators exam, which students will take on April 2nd after the course is concluded.  *Note: This is not the 30-hour course, and you will need to meet the requirements set by the DEC to qualify for the exam.*


March 26, 2026 : Review Course - Day 2
Newark, NY

This 2-day course will go over the core information to help applicators pass the applicators exam, which students will take on April 2nd after the course is concluded.  *Note: This is not the 30-hour course, and you will need to meet the requirements set by the DEC to qualify for the exam.*

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.

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.